Indians spend 102 hours a year identifying scams
What's the story
A recent report by cybersecurity firm McAfee has revealed that Indians are spending an average of 102 hours a year trying to identify scams. The study, titled "2026 State of the Scamiverse," found that every Indian receives about 13 scam communications daily across various platforms like text messages, social media, emails, and phone calls.
Scam evolution
Scams are becoming more sophisticated and realistic
The report also noted that scams are becoming more sophisticated and realistic. This makes it harder for casual users to spot them unless they analyze closely. For instance, fake motor vehicle challan notifications with a payment link look genuine at first glance. McAfee's survey of 7,592 adults found that two in five Indian users feel less confident about spotting scams than they did a year ago.
Increased vigilance
Increased caution in opening messages from unknown senders
Despite the rise in sophisticated scams, 82% of those surveyed said they are now more cautious about opening messages from unknown senders. However, not everyone is equally vigilant. The report found that over one in five people have received suspicious social messages without a link and 66% of these recipients respond to such linkless DMs, often triggering the next step of the scam.
Scam tactics
Professional language and polished branding used by scammers
The report highlights that scammers are now using professional language and polished branding to make their scams look genuine. They use believable scenarios like fake car challan notifications, fake delivery notices, account verification requests, subscription renewals, or reminders to pay tax. Voice communications over phone calls and WhatsApp calls have also become more realistic, making it harder for people to spot scams.
AI involvement
AI being used to make scam communications more refined
The report also highlights the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in making scam communications more refined and realistic. Scammers are using the same AI tools and techniques to make their schemes more convincing. Phishing scams have become more sophisticated, with scammers able to quickly and easily create a malicious site that looks almost identical to a legitimate company or carry on a conversation that feels real.
New targets
Cloud storage impersonation and job scams on the rise
McAfee also warns that cloud storage impersonation, job scams, malicious advertising, and financial scams revolving around trading apps will become more common. Scammers are targeting popular cloud storage services like Google Drive, iCloud or Dropbox with messages mimicking familiar prompts such as "Your account storage is full" or "Your password expired." A simple sign-in on an impersonated page can give hackers access to cloud storage credentials and even email and payment apps.