Call Merging Scam: Recently a new scam has surfaced, through which cyber criminals can withdraw money from bank accounts without OTP. NPCI has issued a warning regarding this new scam. Let's know about it.

Call Merging Scam: Internet has progressed a lot in the last few years, so on one hand people have benefited from it. On the other hand, cyber criminals are also taking advantage of it. In such a situation, cases of online fraud are increasing day by day. Now scammers have found a way by which they can steal money from people's bank accounts without OTP (one-time password). National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) has issued a warning regarding this new scam and has appealed to people to be cautious.

Scam without OTP?

Usually, OTP verification is required for online payments and scammers try to get it by cheating people. Recently, they have started using a new trick 'Call Merging Scam', through which they can withdraw money from people's bank accounts without asking for OTP. While earlier people were cheated through missed call scam, but now scammers are using this new technique.

What is Call Merging Scam?

• Scammers will call you and introduce themselves as recruiters, event managers or representatives of a big company. They further say that they got their number from someone they know and ask you to merge an important call.
• Let us tell you that the second call which gets merged is the call made by the bank or credit card company for OTP verification.
• As soon as the victim merges the calls, the OTP given by the bank is heard by the fraudster, and they immediately withdraw money from the bank account. Usually, scammers obtain the OTP via call rather than text, making it easier to steal it.

How to avoid scam?

• Do not merge calls coming from any unknown numbers.
• No person from the bank or any institution ever asks for OTP.
• If you are using an Android smartphone, you can enable the spam detection feature.
• If you notice any suspicious activity, immediately complain to the bank and cyber crime helpline.
• If you receive a call from the bank, disconnect the call and contact the bank number yourself.