Video chat scams in India: how to spot them and what to do

Requests for money, UPI or gift cards

The most common pattern is a request for money from someone you met a few minutes ago. It may be framed as a small favour: recharge my phone, send Rs 200 for a cab, buy me a gift card and share the code.

A stranger has no claim on your money, however friendly the chat has been. Sharing a UPI collect request, a QR code, an OTP or a gift card code is the same as handing over cash.

• Never scan a QR code or approve a collect request to receive money. Receiving money never needs your PIN.
• Never share an OTP, card number, UPI PIN or a screenshot of your bank app.
• Treat gift card codes like cash. Once shared, they are almost impossible to get back.

Fake emergencies and sob stories

Some scammers open with a crisis: a hospital bill, a stuck flight, a lost wallet. The story is designed to make you feel guilty for hesitating.

Real friends and family ask you on calls you already know are theirs. A stranger from a random match does not need your money to solve a problem. You can be kind and still say no.

Being asked to move to another app

If someone quickly asks for your number, Instagram or a private chat elsewhere, slow down. Moving away from a platform removes the reporting and blocking tools that protect you.

There is nothing wrong with sharing contact details with someone you have come to trust. It just should not happen in the first ten minutes.

Threats after a screen recording

In the worst version, someone pushes you to do something on camera, records it on their side, and then threatens to send it to your contacts unless you pay. This is blackmail, and paying rarely ends it, because the demand usually comes back.

The best protection is not to do anything on camera you would not want seen. If it has already happened, the section below covers what to do. You have not done anything shameful by being targeted.

Fake profiles and too-good-to-be-true chats

Signs of a fake: a video that looks looped or pre-recorded, answers that ignore what you said, instant declarations of love, or a quick push toward money or another app.

Ask a simple live question, such as holding up three fingers or naming something behind you. Someone who cannot or will not respond is not worth your time.

What to do if it happens

End the call and do not reply to follow-up messages. Screenshots of any threats are worth keeping as evidence.

If money has already been sent, contact your bank straight away and report it at cybercrime.gov.in or by calling 1930, India's cybercrime helpline. Tell someone you trust; you do not have to handle this alone.

On kynq you can report someone in one tap during a call, or block them so you are never matched again. The other person is never told who reported. Questions go to hi@kynq.in.

Questions

Is it normal to be asked for money on a video chat?

It happens, but it is a warning sign, not a normal part of chatting. A polite no and moving to the next person is enough.

What should I do if someone threatens to leak a screen recording?

Stop responding, do not pay, keep screenshots of the threats, and report it at cybercrime.gov.in or on 1930. Tell a friend or family member you trust for support.

Can kynq record my call?

No. Calls on kynq are not recorded or monitored live. Anyone on a call could still record their own screen, which is why it is wise to share only what you are comfortable with.

How do I know if a profile is fake?

Look for looped video, ignored questions, fast romance or fast requests for money. Ask something live and see how they respond.