SMS scams in India have surged sharply, rising 146% between the second half of 2025 and the first half of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier, according to fraud detection firm BioCatch. The report highlights a clear shift in fraud tactics from browsers to mobile devices, making text-message scams a growing threat.
Mobile fraud sessions overall climbed 67%, with iOS seeing an alarming 86% jump and Android recording a 35% rise. In contrast, browser-based fraud fell 10%, showing fraudsters are increasingly targeting mobile users who are more vulnerable to quick, deceptive messages.
Interestingly, attempted fraud sessions among BioCatch’s Indian customers fell 12%, suggesting fewer attempts were made. However, the value of attempted fraudulent payments rose 35%, indicating fraudsters are focusing on larger, high-value transactions rather than smaller ones. This trend points to a more sophisticated approach where attackers aim for bigger gains with fewer attempts.
The findings underline the urgent need for stronger mobile security measures, user awareness, and stricter monitoring of digital payment channels. As India’s digital economy expands, fraudsters are adapting quickly, exploiting mobile platforms to maximize returns. The report serves as a warning for both consumers and financial institutions to stay vigilant against evolving mobile fraud risks.
