Telecom operators are warning people about call-forwarding scams; Here's how to protect yourself
call forwarding scam' to deceive unsuspecting individuals all over the nation. Notably, this scam is far from being a new threat, as major telecom operators such as Reliance Jio and Airtel, along with caller identification app Truecaller, have consistently cautioned their users about this perilous scheme.
Despite the call forwarding scam's prolonged existence, scammers continue to devise new tactics to ensnare innocent victims.
How the call forwarding scam operates?
Scammers adopt a guise, often impersonating customer service representatives from mobile network operators or internet service providers when targeting potential victims.
They inquire about issues related to mobile internet or broadband speed, among other pretexts, including hacked accounts or SIM card problems.
The scammers then proffer a seemingly simple solution, instructing smartphone users to dial a specific code, typically starting with 401 followed by a designated phone number. Unbeknownst to the victims, these fraudsters are, in reality, enabling call forwarding to a number under their control.
Once they gain access to the victim's number, they attempt to infiltrate other accounts, such as messaging apps and bank accounts.
With call forwarding activated, the scammer can intercept calls and obtain voice-based One-Time Passwords (OTPs) sent to the victim's phone.
Importantly, victims remain oblivious to the fact that their calls are being redirected to a different device, as their own phones do not ring; all incoming calls are surreptitiously directed to the fraudulent number.
The primary goal behind most of these scams is financial theft. Despite the advanced security systems employed by most banks to safeguard accounts and sensitive data, the
