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In the world of online fraud and cyber thugs, cheatingrs are devouting new and vicious methods every day. Till now, we were all alert to not share OTP (one-time password) with no one that the thugs have taken a step ahead of this. Now they do not ask for OTP from you, but with your help ‘hear’ it. Yes, this new and extremely dangerous way is named ‘Call merging scam’,
This is a deception in which the criminals ask you to get entangled on the phone and ask your own call to connect with another call, and as soon as you do this, the confidential information of your bank account reaches them. This scam is done so cleverly that the common man does not even know what is happening to him.
Come, let us understand this new online fraud as layer by layer and know how you can protect yourself and your family.
What is ‘call merging scam’ and how does it work?
‘Call merging’ or ‘call conferencing’ is a common feature that occurs in almost every smartphone. It is used to talk to two or more people at the same time. Cyber thugs are using this straightforward feature as their weapon.
Fraud’s Steps:
- First call: First, the thug calls you. He can tell himself an employee of a bank, a delivery agent of an e-commerce company (eg Amazon, Flipkart), or an officer of a telecom company (eg Jio, Airtel).
- Winning trust and telling the problem: He will talk to you in a very professional way and will tell a fake problem. For example, “Sir, you have a KYC pending,” or “your order is canceled, the process for refund has to be completed,” or “your electricity bill payment has failed.”
- Start of real trick: After this he will pretend to help you and say that you will have to talk to the company’s ‘Verification Department’ or ‘Senior Officer’. He will give you a number (which actually belongs to his partner) or sometimes he will ask you to dial the real customer care number of the bank so that you do not doubt.
- Instructions of ‘Merge Call’: This is the most dangerous part of this scam. The thug will say to you, “Sir, do not cut my call, call it on the given number by placing it on hold and then merge both the calls.” Many people who are unaware of this feature follow the process mentioned by him.
- OTP theft: As soon as you merge the call, the thugs join the conference call as a third person and start listening quietly. Now that the real customer care or thug’s partner asks you to come on your mobile for verification or asks to put it on IVR, this OTP also listens to the thug and immediately uses it and blows money from your account.
Related Danger: ‘Call Forwarding Scam’ (*401*)
Another dangerous scam like call merging is ‘call forwarding scam’. In this, the thug asks you to dial your mobile number after some USSD codes such as * 401 * or * 402 *. He can make an excuse that this will activate your service. But in fact, this code forwards all the incoming calls of your number to the thug’s number. After this, OTP calls coming from your bank also reach the thug directly.
How to avoid this new online fraud? (Safety tips)
A little awareness can save you from big financial loss. Always remember these things:
- Never merge calls: If an unknown person asks you to merge another call on the phone, it is 100% a fraud. Cut the phone immediately.
- Bank employees never say this: Remember, no bank, wallet company or iconic organization asks you to ever merge calls, download an unknown app or dial any USSD code.
- Cut one call and mix another: If you have to talk on a customer care, always dial the new number only after disconnecting the first call completely.
- Do not share OTP and confidential information: This rule is equally important today. Never share your OTP, CVV, UPI PIN or net banking password on phone, on SMS or WhatsApp.
- Avoid unknown USSD codes: * Or do not dial any code starting with an unknown person at the behest of an unknown person.
- Take action immediately when fraud Even if there is any fraud to you by mistake, do not panic. Immediately Cybercrime Helpline Number 1930 Call on or www.cybercrime.gov.in On lodging a complaint. Also, immediately inform your bank and get your cards and accounts blocked.
Cyber thugs take advantage of our ignorance. Therefore, be aware yourself and share this information with your friends and family, especially the elders of the house.
