India Sees 146% Rise in SMS Scams

A recent report by BioCatch has revealed a significant surge in text-message-based scams and mobile fraud in India. Between the second half of 2025 and the first half of 2026, SMS scams increased by 146% and mobile fraud sessions rose by 67% compared to the same period in the previous year.

The report highlights the rapid adoption of mobile-first banking, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), e-commerce, and online investment platforms in India, which has created a highly digital payments ecosystem that is vulnerable to fraud.

According to the report, the surge in mobile fraud sessions includes an 86% increase on iOS devices and a 35% rise on Android devices. Additionally, fraud is becoming faster and more costly, with risky payment sessions doubling and the median transfer value per fraud session increasing 1.7 times.

The report also notes that web browser-based fraud sessions declined by 10%, underscoring the shift towards mobile attack channels. BioCatch Director of Global Fraud Intelligence Tom Peacock stated that SMS scams are effective because they exploit trusted communication channels, making fraudulent messages appear legitimate.

The report further highlights that the combination of higher-value fraud attempts and shorter calls and sessions indicates that attackers are becoming more efficient. Scams are increasingly refined, with criminals using social engineering and automated techniques to persuade victims and move money before warning signs appear.

India's digital payments ecosystem has become an attractive target for fraudsters, with cyber-fraud complaints reaching Rs 22,496 crore in 2025. However, there is encouraging news, with greater collaboration between banks, the Reserve Bank of India, and law enforcement.

Behavioural intelligence is helping banks move beyond point-in-time authentication to continuous assessment of user intent, enabling them to detect and prevent fraud more effectively.

The report's findings are a cause for concern, and it is essential for individuals and organizations to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to prevent fraud.

In conclusion, the surge in SMS scams and mobile fraud in India is a significant concern, and it is crucial for the government, banks, and individuals to work together to prevent and detect fraud.

The rise in mobile fraud is a reminder of the importance of being vigilant and taking necessary precautions to protect ourselves from fraudsters.

As the digital payments ecosystem continues to evolve, it is essential to stay informed and adapt to the changing landscape to prevent fraud and ensure a safe and secure online experience.

The report's findings highlight the need for greater awareness and education on the risks of mobile fraud and the importance of taking necessary precautions to prevent it.

By working together, we can prevent fraud and ensure a safe and secure online experience for all.

The BioCatch report is a timely reminder of the importance of being aware of the risks of mobile fraud and taking necessary precautions to prevent it.

In the end, it is up to each individual to take responsibility for their online security and to be aware of the risks of mobile fraud.

By being informed and taking necessary precautions, we can prevent fraud and ensure a safe and secure online experience.