For older adults and caregivers

Cyber Safety for Senior Citizens

Clear, calm guidance for handling suspicious calls, messages, payments, and requests for personal information.

Keep these close

Remember These 3 Golden Rules

  1. Never share your OTPNot with your bank and not with anyone who calls unexpectedly.
  2. Never pay to receive moneyA prize or refund should not require an advance payment.
  3. No government official will demand immediate payment by phoneEnd the call and contact someone you trust.
Recognise common tactics

Common Scams Targeting Senior Citizens

  • KYC update scamA fake bank call asks for an OTP to prevent an account freeze.
  • Digital arrestA caller claims to be police or CBI and demands money.
  • Pension or insurance fraudFraudsters pose as agents and offer a fake benefit or upgrade.
  • Grandchild scamA caller claims to be a family member in urgent trouble.
  • Lottery or prize scamA message says you won money but asks for a processing fee.
  • Fake technical supportA caller asks you to install an app that can expose your phone or data.
When a call feels wrong

What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call

  • Hang up without pressing any buttons.
  • Call a trusted family member and explain what happened.
  • Call the Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930
  • Do not call the suspicious number back.
  • Never install an app at a stranger’s request.
Payments

UPI & Digital Payment Safety

  • A PIN is used to send money, not to receive it.
  • A collect request is a request for payment.
  • Do not scan an unfamiliar QR code.