How to set up your parent's phone to keep scammers out

1. WhatsApp: silence unknown callers

Many digital arrest calls arrive on WhatsApp video. In WhatsApp, open Settings, then Privacy, then Calls, and turn on "Silence unknown callers". Calls from numbers that aren't saved won't ring, but they still show in the Calls tab.

2. Save the numbers that matter

• Every family member, with names they will recognise ("Anu Dubai", "Rahul London").
• 112, 1930 and 14567, with clear names.
• The bank's official customer care number, taken from the back of the card.
• If you use RingThru, save our number as "RingThru, call before you pay".

3. Clear out apps

Remove apps they don't use, especially screen-sharing or remote-control apps. Scammers often ask victims to install one. If an app asks for permission to see the screen or read messages, the answer is no.

4. Money limits

• Set a low daily UPI limit in their payment app or through the bank.
• Ask the bank to send transaction alerts to you as well, if your parent agrees.
• Never write the UPI PIN or bank PIN in the phone or on a paper near it.

5. Report suspicious calls

If a call or SMS looks like fraud, report the number on Chakshu at sancharsaathi.gov.in. If money has already gone, call 1930 instead.

6. One family rule

Before paying anyone, for any reason, call a family member first. Real officers and real banks will wait. Scammers won't.