The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has recently raised an alarm regarding a new and dangerous scam known as the Call Merging Scam. This fraud has been targeting unsuspecting individuals, exploiting the call merge feature on smartphones to deceive victims and steal their hard-earned money. As digital payments and online banking become increasingly prevalent, fraudsters are getting more creative with their methods, and the NPCI’s warning emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant.

How the Call Merging Scam Works:

The Call Merging Scam typically begins with a fraudulent phone call. Scammers, posing as legitimate individuals, often claim that they have obtained the victim’s number through a mutual friend or a trusted contact. They might inform the victim about an exciting opportunity or an urgent event that requires immediate attention. After establishing some form of trust, they request to merge the call with a “friend” who will supposedly confirm the details.

Once the call is merged, the victim is unknowingly connected to another scammer pretending to be a representative of their bank or an OTP (One-Time Password) verification service. During the call, the fraudster manipulates the victim into believing that they need to provide their OTP to authenticate a legitimate transaction. The scammer may use various psychological tricks, like creating a sense of urgency or using official-sounding language, to convince the victim to reveal their OTP.

The moment the victim shares the OTP, the scammer swiftly completes the transaction on their behalf. This could result in unauthorized transfers of money, leaving the victim financially vulnerable. In some cases, fraudsters may even wipe out the victim’s bank account within minutes, taking advantage of the compromised information. The danger with this scam lies in its deceptive nature, as the victim may not realize that they have been targeted until it is too late.

Why Call Merging Is Exploited by Scammers:

The reason scammers favor the call merge feature is its ability to deceive victims into thinking they are still in control of the conversation. Typically, when a call is merged, a third party enters the conversation, but the victim remains unaware that this third party is part of the scam. The seamless integration of the scammer into the call makes it more difficult for the victim to discern any malicious intent. The combination of social engineering tactics and technology leaves many people vulnerable to such schemes.

NPCI’s Precautions to Stay Safe:

To protect yourself from falling victim to this type of scam, NPCI has outlined several critical precautions that users should follow:

1. Do Not Merge Calls with Unknown Numbers: If someone you don’t recognize asks you to merge a call, be extremely cautious. Scammers often use this tactic to introduce a new party who may seem legitimate but is actually part of the fraudulent setup. If you are not familiar with the person requesting the merge, it’s better to decline the request.
2. Verify the Caller’s Identity: Whenever someone calls claiming to represent your bank or another trusted institution, it is essential to verify their identity. Banks, for instance, will never call you to ask for personal information such as your OTP. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of the caller, hang up and call your bank’s official number directly to confirm.
3. Do Not Share OTPs Over the Phone: Always remember that legitimate organizations never ask for your OTP over the phone. If someone requests an OTP from you, this is a major red flag. Even if the call seems convincing, refrain from sharing sensitive information like your OTP, card details, or personal identification numbers.
4. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): To enhance the security of your financial transactions, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your banking apps and other financial accounts. 2FA adds an additional layer of protection, requiring both a password and a secondary authentication method (such as a fingerprint or a text message) to access your account.
5. Be Wary of Unsolicited Calls: Always be suspicious of unsolicited calls, particularly those that demand immediate action. Fraudsters thrive on creating a sense of urgency, which can cloud your judgment. If the caller is pressuring you to act quickly, it’s likely a scam.
6. Educate Family and Friends: As scams like the call merging fraud continue to rise, educating your friends and family members—especially those who may not be as tech-savvy—is crucial. Sharing awareness about this scam can help reduce the number of potential victims. In particular, older adults or individuals unfamiliar with phone security are often targeted.
7. Report Suspicious Activity: If you receive an OTP for a transaction you did not initiate, do not ignore it. Immediately call the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 and inform your bank of the suspicious activity. The faster you report fraudulent transactions, the greater the chances of mitigating financial loss.

Call Merging Scam

Scams like the call merging fraud highlight the growing need for digital literacy and security awareness. While technology has made life more convenient, it has also opened up new avenues for fraudsters. By staying informed, adopting precautionary measures, and always verifying suspicious interactions, individuals can safeguard their personal and financial information. The NPCI’s warning serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and cautious whenever dealing with unsolicited calls or online transactions. Always remember, a moment of carelessness could lead to significant financial loss.

Also Read:-

Sreeleela Makes Waves on Filmfare Cover: Bollywood’s Next Big Sensation

Chhaava Box Office Collection Day 8:- Vicky Kaushal’s Film Surpasses Uri and Makes History