Online life has become part of daily life in Bihar. UPI payments, QR codes at tea stalls, learning apps, and social media groups have made things faster and easier. At the same time, digital fraud has grown and become smarter.
This guide explains why online scams are rising in the state, what the common tricks look like in 2025, and how you can protect yourself and your family.
Understanding Online Scams – What Counts as Digital Fraud?
An online scam is any trick that uses the internet, apps, calls, or messages to steal money or data. Criminals pretend to be genuine businesses, banks, delivery partners, or even friends. They push you to act fast, click a link, scan a code, or share a code or PIN. That is how many cyber scams start.
Common types you should know:
- Phishing: Fake emails or SMS with links that lead to look-alike pages. The goal is to steal passwords, card details, or UPI PINs.
- UPI fraud: Requests to “receive” money that need your UPI PIN. Remember: you only enter a PIN when sending money.
- QR code scam: A QR is shared on WhatsApp or shown on a poster. You are told that scanning will credit your account. It does the opposite.
- OTP fraud: Someone calls as “bank staff” or “SIM upgrade team,” then asks for the OTP you just got. Sharing it gives them control.
- KYC scam: Messages that say, “Update KYC or your account will be blocked”. The link leads to a phishing page or a fake helpline.
- Fake apps: Rogue apps pose as loan apps, courier tools, or cashback platforms. They ask for permissions, then misuse data.
- Social media scams: Impersonation, hacked profiles, romance chats, wrong-number tactics, and fake giveaways.
- Job scams: High salary promises, “registration fees,” or “training charges” to secure a job that does not exist.
- Loan app scams: Quick loans with hidden fees, extreme interest, and threats if you delay payment.
These digital scams have become more common in Bihar because digital adoption has moved fast. Awareness has not kept pace, especially around UPI safety and scam recognition.
Why Online Scams are Rising in Bihar: Key Causes
Below are some of the reasons why online scams are increasing day-by-day in Bihar:
Low Cyber Awareness
Digital services grew quickly across the state, especially after UPI became common in small shops and homes. Many first-time users are still learning basic safety. People trust messages that look official and accept phone calls that sound urgent. Banks and police keep warning, but the gap between usage and awareness remains wide.
Increase in UPI & QR-Based Payments
Instant payments are convenient. Scammers know this. Fake QR codes, payment request links, and wallet reversal claims target people in a hurry. If someone says, “I will send you money; just scan this,” it is a red flag. The rush around festivals, admissions, or bill payments makes traps even more effective.
Fake Customer Care Numbers & Impersonation Fraud
Searching for a helpline on the internet can expose you to fake numbers. Fraudsters pose as bank, telecom, or courier officers and speak confidently. They guide you to install a remote access app or share an OTP “to verify your account.” People believe the script because it sounds official. This is a major driver behind Bihar’s online fraud cases.
Rise in Social Engineering Tactics
Social engineering is about emotions. “Reward points expiring,” “SIM will be blocked,” “KYC due today,” “lottery win,” or “your friend needs help” are common lines. They make you act before you think. The trick works across SMS, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, reaching both cities and small towns.
Lack of Reporting & Low Digital Literacy in Rural Areas
Delayed reporting reduces the chance of recovery. Some victims fear approaching the police or do not know the right channel. Rural areas face a bigger information gap on cyber fraud reporting and safe digital habits. When cases stay unreported, the same groups keep cheating more people.
Common Online Scams Affecting Bihar Users in 2025
Here are some of the common online scams that are affecting people in Bihar nowadays:
UPI & QR Code Fraud
Fraudsters send a QR and say you will receive a refund or prize. Scanning actually sets up a payment from your account. Others ask for an OTP to “approve receipt”. Never share your UPI PIN or OTP. If you are not sending money, you should not enter a PIN. This simple rule prevents many online fraud cases.
Fake Job & Work from Home Scams
Students and freshers in Patna, Gaya, and Bhagalpur often see offers promising high pay for simple tasks. The catch is a “registration fee,” “training charge,” or “security deposit.” Once you pay, the contact disappears. On job portals and Telegram groups, verify company details and avoid paying to get work.
Loan App Fraud
Shady loan apps give small quick loans but start adding hefty penalties within days. The app may access your contacts and threaten to message them. This harassment pushes people to pay more than they borrowed. Use only RBI-regulated options and check reviews before you install any finance app.
Social Media Scams (Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook)
Hacked accounts ask for money. Romance chats turn into requests for gifts or fees. Wrong-number messages try to build trust and then push investment or betting links. Many people also look for a “WhatsApp scammer list” or “romance scammer WhatsApp” hints. Lists are not reliable. Safer habits beat lists: verify identities, keep chats on the platform, and never send money to strangers.
KYC Update & Bank Verification Scams
Fraudsters say, “Your account will be blocked today, update KYC now.” The link is a phishing site, or the caller is an impostor. Banks do not ask for OTPs, PINs, or full card details on calls or links. Always visit the official app or website from your own bookmarks.
Online Shopping & Delivery Scams
“Your parcel is on hold. Pay a small fee to release it.” The link steals card details or loads malware. Fake marketplaces also run deep discounts with no delivery. If a deal looks too good, pause. Check the seller, read reviews, and avoid suspicious payment links. If you find a fake seller, report the scam website through the official portal.
How to Avoid Online Scams: Practical Prevention Tips
Below are some of the tips that will help you to avoid these online scams easily:
Secure Your UPI, Banking, and Passwords
Use strong passwords, change them often, and turn on two-factor authentication everywhere. Never share an OTP, UPI PIN, or CVV with anyone, even if the caller sounds official. For internet fraud prevention, use different passwords for banking, email, and social accounts. A password manager helps.
Avoid Scanning Unknown QR Codes
A QR is for paying, not receiving. If someone asks you to scan to get money, decline. In shops, check the merchant’s name before paying. Cover the QR with your hand to avoid scanning the wrong one stuck on top.
Verify All Calls, Messages & Links
Do not trust “KYC update” SMS or quick-fix calls. If you need help, open the official app or website and use the helpline there. Do not search for numbers on random sites. Type the link yourself or use saved bookmarks. This habit cuts most phishing and WhatsApp phishing attempts.
Install Trusted Security Software
Good security tools add a safety net. Anti-phishing, safe browsing, and anti-malware features block many harmful links and files before damage occurs. If you want an easy option, consider Quick Heal Total Security for your PC. It helps with web protection, banking safety, and real-time threat defence. You can install Total Security to add an extra layer of defence at home or the office.
Awareness is the Best Protection
Talk to parents, children, and friends. Share simple rules: do not share OTP, do not click unknown links, and do not pay fees for jobs or prizes. Encourage quick reporting. Follow the guidance from your bank and local cyber cell. Strong, shared knowledge reduces the impact of online scams in Bihar.
How to Report Online Scams in Bihar
If you face online fraud, act fast. Time matters.
- Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930 (call as soon as you spot a suspicious debit or a payment you did not make).
- National Cyber Crime Portal: cybercrime.gov.in (submit a complaint online).
- Local cyber police station: Visit your nearest unit for guidance and support.
What to collect and share:
- Screenshots of messages, emails, profiles, or payment pages.
- Transaction ID, UPI reference number, date and time.
- Phone numbers, UPI IDs, and account details used by the scammer.
- Any links, QR codes, or documents that were sent to you.
- Your own bank statement highlighting the disputed amounts.
This is the most reliable path for cyber fraud reporting. If you come across a fake seller or a malicious page, you can also report a scam website through the same portal. Faster reports improve the chance of freezing funds.
Conclusion
Rising online scams in Bihar are a result of rapid digital growth, instant payments, clever social engineering, and delayed reporting. The good news is that simple habits stop most attacks: never share OTPs, avoid unknown QR codes, verify every link, and keep security software active. When a mistake happens, report immediately via 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in. With steady awareness and the right tools, online scams become far less effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How to avoid online scams?
Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication, never share OTPs or UPI PINs, avoid scanning unknown QR codes, and verify helplines from the official app or website. Keep trusted security software on and updated. Share these habits at home so everyone stays alert. If in doubt, stop and check.
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Which city in Bihar has the most cybercrime?
Cases tend to cluster where digital use is high, so larger hubs like Patna may see more complaints. But cyber scams occur across districts. Treat every unknown link, call, or QR with the same care, whether you are in a city or a small town.
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Can I get my money back if I was scammed online?
It is possible in some cases if you act quickly. Call 1930 at once and file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in. Share full details with your bank. Speed and proper documentation improve the chance of recovery, but results vary.
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How can people in Bihar protect themselves from common online frauds?
Follow a short checklist: do not share OTPs or UPI PINs, do not pay fees for jobs, verify KYC messages, and use only official apps for banking. Keep anti-phishing and safe browsing enabled. For extra safety, consider Quick Heal Total Security to block harmful links and files before they cause loss.
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Why are online scams increasing so rapidly in Bihar?
Digital payments and mobile use grew faster than cyber awareness. Scammers use social engineering, fake helplines, and instant payment tricks to exploit this gap. Quick reporting, better habits, and community education are the answer.
