The great Indian scam trap: More aware, yet still vulnerable
A recent report highlights that despite high awareness of data privacy, Indian consumers remain highly vulnerable to online scams. The study notes that Indians are more likely to share personal details on conversational apps compared to their Southeast Asian counterparts.
Why it matters
The findings underscore a 'privacy paradox' where digital literacy does not necessarily translate into safer online behavior, posing risks for emerging digital economies.
A 79-year-old woman in Mumbai recently tried to buy dry fruits worth Rs 248 after seeing an advertisement on WhatsApp. Instead, she lost Rs 11.7 lakh after a caller posing as a company representative persuaded her to make 13 UPI transfers. She was warned that her bank account could be closed due to a technical error.Her experience brings together several findings in the GSMA India Consumer Scam Report 2026, based on an online, English-language survey of about 500 Indian adults conducted from July 29 to August 3. Online shopping scams were cited by 33% of Indian victims, more than any other type. Among surveyed victims who lost money, two in three recovered nothing.The survey compares Indian respondents with those in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. Three in four Indians surveyed (75%) said they were very concerned about online data privacy, against 48% across those six countries.
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