Pioneer Today Team
Learn about the new call merging scam where fraudsters trick users into sharing OTPs, leading to unauthorized transactions. Stay safe with expert tips to avoid falling victim to this growing threat.
Authorities in India have issued a warning about a rising scam involving fraudsters who trick users into merging phone calls. This tactic enables scammers to deceive people into unknowingly sharing their One-Time Passwords (OTPs), giving fraudsters access to bank accounts and enabling unauthorized transactions.
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), recently shared an alert on their social media platform, urging users to stay cautious. The message read, “Scammers are using call merging to trick you into revealing OTPs. Don’t fall for it! Stay alert and protect your money.”
How the Scam Works
This scam begins when a fraudster calls a person, claiming to have received their number from a friend. The scammer then tells the victim that their “friend” is calling from a different number and asks them to merge the calls.
Once the user merges the calls, they are unknowingly connected to a legitimate OTP verification call from their bank. The scammers time this moment perfectly, prompting the victim to provide the OTP without realizing that they are being deceived. As soon as the OTP is shared, the fraudsters complete the transaction, and the victim’s money is stolen.
Safety Tips to Avoid Falling for the Scam
To protect yourself from this scam, follow these important safety guidelines provided by UPI:
- Do Not Merge Calls from Unknown Numbers: Always be cautious when you are asked to merge calls, particularly from unfamiliar sources.
- Verify Caller Identity: If the caller claims to be from your bank or a friend, make sure to confirm their identity before taking any action.
- Report Suspicious OTPs: If you receive an OTP for a transaction you did not initiate, report it immediately by calling 1930 to alert your bank and take the necessary steps.
The Growing Threat of Scams
Recent surveys show that over one-third of people in India have fallen victim to scams related to real-time payments. A report by global analytics company FICO found that 60% of respondents had received scam messages, while 54% knew someone who had been scammed. While fewer consumers reported losses in 2024 compared to 2023, the value of the losses, amounting to over ₹8 lakh, doubled from 2% to 4%.
As fraudsters become more sophisticated, it’s essential to stay vigilant and follow these simple safety precautions to avoid becoming a victim of the call merging scam. Stay alert, protect your information, and keep your finances safe.
Last Updated on: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 12:13 am by Pioneer Today Team | Published by: Pioneer Today Team on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 12:13 am | News Categories: News
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