Scammers are finding new ways to steal people’s money, and the latest method making headlines is the Call Merging Scam. In this type of fraud, criminals trick victims into merging calls, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information like One-Time Passwords (OTPs). If you ever receive a call where someone says, "Hold on, I'll connect you with them," hang up immediately! Otherwise, your bank account could be drained within minutes.
In this article, we’ll explain how this scam works, how fraudsters deceive people, and what steps you should take to protect yourself.
With the rise of digital transactions and phone banking, cybercriminals are developing more sophisticated tactics to steal money. The Call Merging Scam is the latest trick that fraudsters use to gain access to your bank account and financial information.
Here’s how it works:
You Receive a Call – The scammer calls you, pretending to be someone familiar, like a friend, bank official, or service provider.
They Mention a Known Person – They say that a particular person (often someone you may know) wants to speak with you.
You Get Another Call – While still on the call, you receive a second incoming call. The scammer tells you to merge the calls.
OTP Theft Happens – Unknowingly, you merge a call that is actually an automated OTP verification call. The scammer listens to the OTP and uses it to withdraw money from your bank account.
Scammers exploit a smart loophole in phone-based OTP verification systems. Many banks allow customers to receive OTPs via text messages or automated voice calls. Instead of using phishing messages, fraudsters now use call merging to hear your OTP directly.
When you merge the call, the scammer listens carefully to the automated OTP readout. Before you even realize what has happened, they use the OTP to authorize a financial transaction and withdraw money from your bank account.
Recent reports indicate that several people across India have fallen victim to this scam, losing thousands or even lakhs of rupees. Many victims initially thought the calls were from their friends or relatives, which made them let their guard down.
A common modus operandi of scammers includes:
Impersonating bank representatives, telecom providers, or even police officials.
Pretending to be from a government agency offering benefits or refunds.
Using psychological tricks to create a sense of urgency and panic, making people act without thinking.
To avoid falling prey to this scam, follow these simple yet crucial safety tips:
If someone asks you to merge a call, be suspicious.
Avoid merging any call unless you are 100% sure of the caller’s identity.
Remember, banks or official organizations never ask for OTPs over the phone.
If you receive an OTP-related call, hang up immediately and report it.
If someone claims a known person wants to talk, call that person directly instead of merging calls.
Cross-check any requests before making decisions.
If you receive a suspicious call, report it to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in) or call the cyber helpline at 1930.
Inform your bank immediately if you suspect fraud.
Set up email alerts and app notifications for every transaction.
Use an authenticator app instead of relying on OTPs sent via SMS or call.
If you suspect that you have fallen victim to a Call Merging Scam, take immediate action to minimize the damage:
Call Your Bank and Freeze Transactions – Inform your bank to block your account and reverse any unauthorized transactions.
Report the Incident to Cyber Crime Authorities – File a complaint on the Cyber Crime Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in) or dial 1930 for assistance.
Change Your Banking Passwords – Reset your online banking credentials to prevent further fraud.
Monitor Your Account Regularly – Keep checking your account statements for any unusual transactions.
Cybercriminals are using increasingly clever methods to steal money, and the Call Merging Scam is just one example of their tactics. The best way to stay safe is to stay alert and never trust unknown callers.
🔴 Golden Rule: If someone asks you to merge a call, HANG UP IMMEDIATELY! 🔴
By following these safety measures, spreading awareness, and reporting scams, we can stop fraudsters from succeeding and protect ourselves from financial loss. Stay informed, stay safe! 🚨
