Call Merging Scam What It Is and How to Stay Safe
In recent months, a new fraud has emerged, alerting authorities like the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). This scam, known as the Call Merging Scam, has quickly gained traction, exploiting the phone's call merge feature to steal sensitive information like One-Time Passwords (OTPs) and commit financial fraud. Here’s everything you need to know about this scam and how to protect yourself.
How the Call Merging Scam Works
Scammers typically start by calling victims with a fake story, like offering a special deal or mentioning they got your number from a "friend." They then try to convince the victim to merge the call with a supposed "friend" who is actually another scammer. Once the calls are merged, the victim is connected to an OTP request call from their bank.
The scammer then tricks the victim into providing their OTP. With the OTP in hand, the scammers complete a fraudulent transaction, stealing the victim's money in the process. The key element of the scam is the call merging feature, which allows fraudsters to execute this deception seamlessly.
How to Stay Safe
The NPCI and cybersecurity experts have issued several guidelines to help protect against this scam:
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Avoid merging calls with unknown numbers: If someone insists you merge a call with an unfamiliar number, be wary.
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Verify the caller's identity: Always confirm the identity of anyone claiming to be from your bank, especially if they ask for sensitive information like your OTP.
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Be cautious about OTP requests: Banks never ask for OTPs over the phone. If someone asks for an OTP, it’s almost certainly a scam.
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Report suspicious activity immediately: If you receive an OTP for a transaction you didn’t initiate, contact your bank and report the incident via the National Cybercrime Helpline (1930).
Key Takeaways
The Call Merging Scam preys on the trust victims place in familiar phone calls and the call merge function. By being vigilant, not sharing OTPs over the phone, and verifying the identity of callers, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to this scam.
For more information, keep an eye out for similar scams and share awareness with friends and family to protect against these growing digital threats.