Are You Scam-Literate? Test Yourself With 10 Real-Life Scenarios
About Scams and Their Tactics: Scammers are experts at using convincing language, fake urgency, and emotional triggers to manipulate people. They often mix real details with false claims to appear legitimate. Understanding their tactics—fear, greed, and pressure—is the first step toward protecting your money and personal information.
International Literacy Day highlights the importance of critical reading skills. In 2025, literacy also means scam literacy. Test your ability to identify scams with these 10 scenarios:
| # | Scenario | Options (A / B / C / D) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SMS: "Your UPI ID will be blocked in 2 hours. Click the link." |
A – Website domain is suspicious and doesn’t match the bank B – Banks don’t block UPI via random SMS C – Time-limited warning is a fear tactic D – All of the above |
| 2 | Email: "Verify SBI KYC or risk account suspension." |
A – Banks never ask for login credentials via email B – Threats of account suspension are pressure tactics C – Presence of bank logos alone doesn’t confirm authenticity D – All of the above |
| 3 | WhatsApp: "Invest ₹5,000. Earn ₹100 daily. Join Telegram group." |
A – Daily guaranteed returns are unrealistic in regulated schemes B – Verify SEBI registration on official sources C – Both A and B D – High-risk schemes are not always illegal |
| 4 | LIC Call: "Found lapsed policy ₹22.5 lakh. Confirm PAN & Aadhaar." |
A – Legitimate insurers won’t pay unrevived policies B – Fraudsters mix real KYC info with fake policy claims C – Caller ID can be faked to appear genuine D – All of the above |
| 5 | Loan App: "Instant ₹22 lakh. Aadhaar photo only." |
A – Large loans require proof of income in regulated lending B – Fake apps mimic NBFC names to appear legitimate C – Requesting only Aadhaar photo is suspicious D – All of the above |
| 6 | Video Call: Police claims drugs in your name, asks ₹1.5 lakh penalty. |
A – Police never arrest via video calls B – Demanding money proves it’s a scam C – Scammers use props and panic to trick victims D – All of the above |
| 7 | Forwarded Image: "Click to see shocking update." |
A – Image contains hidden malware B – Forwarded media from unknown sources is unsafe C – Both A and B D – No antivirus alert means it is safe |
| 8 | Employment Email: "Pay £2,500 to confirm MNC role." |
A – Employers never ask for upfront money B – Fraudsters use logos and letters to appear real C – Both A and B D – Company domain email guarantees authenticity |
| 9 | Credit Card SMS: "Double your card limit instantly." |
A – Clicking unsafe links can steal credentials B – Official bank links are secure C – Both A and B D – Bank name in sender ID ensures authenticity |
| 10 | Lottery Call: "You won ₹50 lakh. Pay ₹2.15 lakh tax first." |
A – Lotteries deduct TDS at source, don’t ask for prepayment B – Pre-prize tax demand is a scam warning C – Both A and B D – Providing government forms ensures legitimacy |
Scoring & Takeaways
Give 1 point per correct answer:
- 8–10: Scambuster – rarely panics, spots scams quickly
- 5–7: Fence-sitter – aware but can be caught off-guard
- 0–4: Sitting Duck – high risk, build scam literacy fast
Scammers exploit fear, greed, and urgency, not education. Pause, verify, question before taking action.
For traders navigating volatile markets, make use of tips provided below:
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SEBI Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Readers must perform their own due diligence and consult a registered investment advisor before making any investment decisions. The views expressed are general in nature and may not suit individual investment objectives or financial situations.
Written by Indian-Share-Tips.com, which is a SEBI Registered Advisory Services
