By ScanMonk Editorial Team

In the last two years, one scam has silently become one of India’s most dangerous and widespread frauds - the Fake Customer Care Scam.

If you have ever searched “Amazon customer care number” or “Swiggy helpline” on Google, there is a high chance you may have seen a scammer’s number without even realizing it.

These scams now target almost every popular platform:

Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Ola, Uber, IRCTC, Paytm, PhonePe, and even banks.

This blog explains how the scam works, why it is rising so quickly, and how to protect yourself.

What Is a Fake Customer Care Scam?

Fake customer care scams happen when fraudsters pretend to be support agents of big companies. They create:

1. Fake phone numbers
2. Fake websites
3. Fake email IDs
4. Fake WhatsApp support
5. Fake social media pages

When someone searches for customer support online, scammers appear before the real helpdesk - and trap you.

The scammer’s goal is simple:

1. Steal money
2. Access your UPI
3. Take OTPs
4. Get remote control of your device

Why This Scam Is Exploding in India (2025)

1. Google Search Manipulation

Scammers run:

1. Google Ads
2. SEO-optimized fake numbers
3. Duplicate websites

These get indexed fast, so they appear at the top of search results.

2. Trust in Big Brands

Users see:

“Amazon Customer Care – 24x7”

and they click without thinking.

Scammers copy logos, colors, and the layout perfectly.

3. WhatsApp Is The New Scam Hub

Fake agents contact you on WhatsApp with:

1. Order updates
2. Refund promises
3. Payment failure alerts

These messages look extremely real.

4. Lack of Verification

Anyone can create:

1. A fake helpline website
2. A Page on Google My Business
3. A number on Truecaller (“Amazon Support”)

There is no screening.

5. Urgency + Confusion

People Google customer care only when:

1. Payment fails
2. Order gets stuck
3. Refund is missing
4. Food is wrong
5. Tickets get cancelled

Scammers attack at the moment of panic.

How Fake Customer Care Scams Work (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: You Search for a Helpline Number Online

Example:

“Swiggy customer care number”

“Flipkart refund issue”

“PhonePe support”

Scammers appear at the top.

Step 2: You Call the Fake Number

A polite “agent” answers the call.

He sounds professional and well-trained.

Step 3: The Agent Creates Pressure

He says things like:

1. “Your refund is stuck.”
2. “Your account is blocked.”
3. “Your payment failed.”
4. “Your KYC needs updating.”

This increases urgency.

Step 4: They Ask You to Install an App

Scammers tell you to download:

1. AnyDesk
2. QuickSupport
3. Screen Share Apps

This gives them remote access to your mobile.

Step 5: Money Is Stolen

Once access is given, scammers:

1. Transfer money
2. Use UPI
3. Add beneficiaries
4. Access OTPs
5. Empty accounts

Everything happens within minutes.

Platforms Most Affected by Fake Customer Care Scams

1. Amazon Customer Care Scam

Fake refund calls

Fake number on Google

Fake WhatsApp messages

2. Swiggy & Zomato Scam

People call fake numbers for:

1. Wrong order
2. Missing items
3. Refund issues

Scammers take advantage of frustration.

3. Ola & Uber Scam

Fake charges, refunds, or blocked accounts.

4. Banking Scam

Fake support for:

1. SBI
2. HDFC
3. ICICI
4. Axis
5. Paytm
6. PhonePe
7. Google Pay

Extremely risky.

5. Travel Scam (IRCTC / Airlines)

Fake cancellation fees

Fake ticket charges

Red Flags That Show Customer Care Is Fake

✔ No official domain or email

✔ Asking to install screen-sharing apps

✔ Asking for OTP

✔ Asking for UPI PIN

✔ Rude or over-friendly tone

✔ Number not listed on official website

✔ WhatsApp number claiming “24x7 support”

✔ Asking you to click unknown links

If any one of these happens - it is a scam.

How to Find the REAL Customer Support Number

1. Always go to the official website

Amazon → amazon.in/help

Swiggy → Help section inside app

PhonePe → Inside app only

Ola / Uber → In-app support

Never Google “customer care number”.

2. Check official social media

Blue tick verified pages only.

3. Use app-based support

Most legit companies avoid calling altogether.

4. Never call numbers from Google Maps

Anyone can add fake numbers.

How to Protect Yourself From Customer Care Scams

1. Never share your screen

Remote access = instant loss.

2. Never give OTP or UPI PIN

Genuine support teams never ask for sensitive details.

3. Never trust WhatsApp customer care numbers

Most big brands do not use WhatsApp for support.

4. Use only in-app chat or call buttons

This is the safest way.

5. Report fake numbers

Use:

1. cybercrime.gov.in
2. ScanMonk community alerts

How ScanMonk Helps

ScanMonk is building India’s trust layer for digital shopping and consumer safety.

We help users:

1. Identify fake helpline numbers
2. Understand new scam patterns
3. Learn how to verify brands
4. Report fraud safely
5. Read real customer experiences

With a growing community and thousands of verified brands, ScanMonk helps India stay scam-free.

Conclusion

Fake customer care scams are rising faster than ever in 2025.

Scammers know the exact moment to attack - when you are frustrated, confused, and searching for help.

The best way to stay safe is simple:

1. Never Google customer care numbers
2. Never share screens
3. Always use in-app support

Stay aware.

Stay alert.

Stay scam-free with ScanMonk.