The digital world is full of conveniences, but it’s also a minefield of misleading messages, fake phone calls and online traps. For senior citizens who didn’t grow up with smartphones and email, it’s not always easy to tell what’s genuine and what’s a scam.
This short quiz offers real-life situations and the answers to which should help seniors know what is the right thing to do..
Let’s begin. Read each situation and see if you can tell what’s real and what’s a scam.
1: The urgent courier call
You receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from a courier company. They say a package addressed to you contains suspicious items and that the police are on their way unless you confirm your Aadhaar and bank details.
What should you do?
A. Stay calm and disconnect/ hang up
B. Give your details to avoid police trouble
C. Call the number back to check if it’s real
Correct answer: A
This is a classic scare tactic. No courier or police department will ask for personal details over the phone. Hang up and block the number.
2: The lucky lottery email
An email arrives saying you’ve won Rs 1 million in an international lottery. You’ve never entered one, but all they need is your full name, address and a small processing fee of ₹499 to release your winnings.
Do you:
A. Pay the amount and reply with your details
B. Delete the email immediately
C. Forward the email to someone in your family for checking
Correct answer: B (or C, if you’re unsure)
If you didn’t enter a lottery, you didn’t win one. This is a phishing scam. No genuine prize requires payment upfront.
3: The refund link
After returning a mixer you bought online, you get a WhatsApp message claiming to be from the retailer, saying a refund is being processed. They ask you to click a link and fill in your bank details.
Do you:
A. Click the link and enter your information
B. Check your account first to see if the refund has come through
C. Call the retailer’s customer care directly using a number from their website
Correct answer: C
Refund scams are common. Never click on random links or enter bank details via messaging apps. Always go directly to the official website or helpline.
4: The family emergency call
You receive a call from someone claiming to be your niece’s friend. They say she’s had an accident and needs money urgently. They ask you to transfer ₹25,000 to a UPI ID.
Do you:
A. Transfer the money quickly to help
B. Ask for your niece’s full name and hospital details
C. Hang up and call your niece or her parents directly
Correct answer: C
Scammers use panic to push quick action. Never transfer money based on a stranger’s claim. Always verify with family.
5: The bank message
A message appears saying: “Dear customer, your SBI account will be suspended today unless you update your PAN details. Click here to update.”
Do you:
A. Click the link and update your details
B. Ignore it, you don’t have an SBI account
C. Call SBI customer care to confirm
Correct answer: B (or C if you’re a customer)
These are phishing attempts. Banks never send such links via SMS or WhatsApp. Always use official banking apps or websites.
6: The free Covid booster call
A caller claims to be from a government health agency. They say you’re due for a free Covid booster, and they need your Aadhaar and one-time password (OTP) to confirm your appointment.
Do you:
A. Share your Aadhaar and OTP to book the slot
B. Hang up and report the call
C. Ask them to send a written message first
Correct answer: B
No government agency will ask for your OTP. These are OTP-theft scams used to take over your mobile wallet or banking account.
7: The fake pension update
You receive an SMS saying your pension account needs to be re-verified urgently to avoid disruption. The message includes a link that asks for your Aadhaar number, pension ID, and date of birth.
Do you:
A. Click the link and update your information
B. Visit the pension office or contact your pension provider directly
C. Forward the message to your neighbour for advice
Correct answer: B
Never trust unsolicited links for official work. Always visit or contact your pension office using known numbers or websites.
8: The electricity bill scare
A man calls claiming to be from the electricity board. He says your bill hasn’t been paid, and power will be disconnected in 30 minutes unless you pay ₹2,500 immediately via Google Pay.
Do you:
A. Transfer the money quickly to avoid a blackout
B. Ask for his name and ID number
C. Hang up and call the official electricity board number to check your bill status
Correct answer: C
This is a pressure tactic. Disconnection notices are never given over the phone at such short notice. Always verify from the official website or helpline.
9: The unknown UPI request
You receive a request on your UPI app from someone called ‘XYZ Services’ asking you to approve a payment of ₹4,999. You don’t recall signing up for anything.
Do you:
A. Approve the request just in case it’s something important
B. Reject it and block the sender
C. Screenshot it and send to your bank to check
Correct answer: B (and also C for good measure)
Unknown UPI requests should always be declined. Never approve payments unless you are absolutely sure of the sender. Reporting to your bank is a good follow-up.
10: The tech support pop-up
While using your computer, a pop-up appears saying your system is infected with viruses. It gives a toll-free number and asks you to call immediately. The person on the line then asks to remotely access your computer.
Do you:
A. Call the number and follow instructions
B. Close the window and run your antivirus software
C. Ask someone in the family to have a look
Correct answer: B (or C, if you’re unsure)
This is a common scam. Never allow remote access to anyone unless you’re absolutely sure of their identity. Tech support never contacts users in this manner.
Scam scorecard
7–10 correct: You’re alert and cautious—well done. Keep guiding others.
4–6 correct: You’re on the right track. Talk to family and double-check before acting.
0–3 correct: It’s time to become more cautious. Don’t worry—awareness begins now.
PS:
Encourage elders to pause and check before clicking, answering or paying. A simple rule of thumb: if something sounds urgent, too good to be true or makes you anxious—stop and talk to someone you trust. Also, don’t scold them or discourage them from using online services… Some education will go a long way. Regularly practising such quizzes and scenarios helps keep digital instincts sharp. And remember: it’s never foolish to ask… it’s wise.
