The person I met online is asking for money for an emergency. Is it a scam?
Almost always, yes: asking for money for an emergency is the most common sign of a romance or matrimonial scam and of other online fraud. Do not send anything until you have confirmed through another channel who the person is.
The stories change, but the script is similar: first a lot of affection or a big opportunity, then an urgency – a hospital bill, customs duty on a "gift" from abroad, a fine, a flight ticket, a frozen account – and a request for a UPI transfer "just this once".
What to do now
- Do not send money, UPI transfers, gifts, gift cards or OTPs.
- Do not let them rush you. Urgency is the scammer's main tool.
- Talk to someone you trust before deciding.
- Check the person's photos, number and messages.
- If you have already sent money, call your bank right away and the cyber crime helpline 1930.
Frequently asked questions
- What if the person gets offended?
- Someone who cares about you will understand that you do not send money to someone you have never met. Pressure and guilt are signs of fraud.
- I already sent money by UPI. Can I get it back?
- Call 1930 and your bank as soon as possible, report the transaction as fraud and ask them to try to freeze the money in the account that received it. The faster you act, the better the chance. Then file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in.
- Someone called saying my KYC has expired and asked for an OTP. Is that real?
- No. Banks never ask for your OTP, UPI PIN or card details on a call, SMS or link. Never share an OTP with anyone.
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