Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Survey Finds Indians Face Shopping, Lottery and Job Scams
A survey asked people in India about scams they had seen or experienced.
Shopping scams were the most commonly reported type among people who had faced scams.
Lottery, job, and payment-link scams were also reported.
Scammers used messaging apps, social media, and email to reach people.
Many respondents had seen AI used in scams, including fake messages and pictures.
Some people said they or someone close to them had been scammed in the past year.
Most victims contacted an organisation for help, often the police.
The survey describes the experiences of the people who answered, not the total number of scams in India.
Among surveyed Indians who had experienced scams, online shopping scams were most common at 33%, followed by prize, lottery or inheritance scams at 31%.
Job or income scams affected 30% of surveyed scam victims, while QR-code or payment-link scams were reported by 27%.
Messaging apps were involved in 42% of scams, social media in 37%, and email in 33%; 89% of surveyed consumers said they had seen AI used in scams.
Twelve per cent of respondents said they had been scammed in the previous year, while 39% said someone close to them had been scammed.
Among victims, 86% sought help from at least one organisation; police were the most common contact, approached by 49%.
- Who
- The GSMA report surveyed consumers, including around 500 adults in India.
- What
- A survey examined scam types, how they reach people, consumer experiences, and whether victims seek help.
- When
- The survey was conducted from July 29 to August 3, 2026.
- Where
- India, with additional respondents across six ASEAN countries.
- Why
- The report aimed to examine the scams consumers encounter, how they are contacted, and what happens after scams are reported.
- Report
- India Consumer Scam Report 2026: Permission Granted, Cases Still Open
- Survey field dates
- July 29–August 3, 2026
- Survey size
- Approximately 3,500 adults: around 500 in India and 3,000 across six ASEAN countries
- Most reported scam type
- Online shopping, reported by 33% of surveyed people who had experienced scams
- AI in scams
- 89% of surveyed Indian consumers said they had seen AI used in scams
- Victims seeking help
- 86% approached at least one organisation
- Most common organisation contacted
- Police, approached by 49% of victims