Key Highlights
- Scammers trick people into merging calls to steal OTPs and money
- Never merge calls with unknown numbers or share OTPs
- Report suspicious calls to your bank and the cybercrime helpline (1930)
A new scam is on the rise in India. The fraudsters are tricking people into merging calls and unknowingly sharing their OTPs. This allows scammers to complete unauthorized transactions and steal money. Authorities have warned users to be extra cautious and avoid merging calls with unknown numbers. Let’s get to know more.
Also Read | Scammed On The Internet? Here’s How To Report Online Scams Via India’s Cyber Crime Portal
How The Scam Works
- A scammer calls, pretending to be a friend or someone who got your number from a known contact.
- They ask you to merge the call with another number, claiming it’s your friend or a bank representative.
- The second call is actually an OTP verification call from your bank and the scammer tricks you into sharing the OTP.
- Once the OTP is shared, the fraudster completes the transaction and steals money from your account.
How To Protect Yourself
- Never merge calls with unknown numbers: Be cautious when someone asks you to add another caller.
- Verify the caller’s identity: If someone claims to be your friend or a bank official, call them back on a trusted number to confirm.
- Report suspicious OTP requests: If you receive an OTP for a transaction you didn’t request, call 1930 (cybercrime helpline) and notify your bank immediately.
Why You Should Be Concerned
A recent survey found that over one-third of people in India have been victims of online scams. According to a report by global analytics firm FICO:
- 60 percent of people received scam messages.
- 54 percent knew someone who had been scammed.
- The number of people losing more than Rs. 8 lakh doubled in 2024 compared to 2023.
What To Do If You Merged A Call With A Scammer?
- Don’t share any OTPs or personal details.
- Hang up immediately and contact your bank.
- Call 1930 to report the scam.
- Monitor your bank account for suspicious transactions.
Also Read | Fed Up With Scam Calls? Here’s How To Use Chakshu Portal For Reporting Fraud
Stay Safe from Scams
Scammers are finding new ways to trick people, but awareness is the best protection. Never share OTPs over the phone, and always verify calls before taking action.
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