In today’s digital era, online fraud and cyber crime are increasing rapidly. Every day new scams are coming to light, in which people are being deceived and their bank details, OTP or personal data is being stolen. One such new and dangerous scam, Merge Call Scam, has come to light.
In this scam, your life savings can disappear with just one call. If you also use a mobile phone, then this information is very important for you.
What is a merge call scam?
In a merge call scam, the fraudsters call you on your phone and add a third fake person posing as a bank officer or police to the call, i.e. merge him. After this, you are falsely threatened or tempted with a reward.
The conversations that happen in this call can be recorded or can be heard live to another scammer, so that he can hack your bank account or harm you in some other way.
What is the method of scammers?
First call: The scammer calls you from an unknown number and says that he is calling from the bank, or says that your KYC is not updated, or there is a delivery.
Adding the second number to the call: Then he says that I am connecting you to customer care on one call. After this he merges another scammer to the call.
Confuse and scare: Now the second scammer says that your account will be blocked, an FIR can be filed against you or you should tell the OTP or else the SIM will be blocked.
Extracting information from your mouth: They will ask for OTP, bank details, UPI PIN, or ATM card information. Sometimes your voice is recorded so that it can be used in bank voice authentication.
How is merge call scam dangerous?
BYour voice can be recorded…bank details can be stolen and money can be withdrawn from the account. Your SIM can be blocked or transferred. Your WhatsApp can be hacked. Fake loans or transactions can be done in your name.
How to avoid merge call scam?
To avoid this, you have to be careful about calls coming from unknown numbers. If any stranger says that the call is being merged, disconnect the call immediately. Do not share OTP, bank details, UPI PIN with anyone. Government or bank officials never ask for such information on calls.
Change phone settings
Turn off call forwarding and merge call settings. Go to iPhone or Android phone and click on Call Settings. After this, it can be managed by going to Additional Settings. Check the caller ID with an app like Truecaller. This will let you know whether the call is fake or real.
What to do if you get scammed?
If you become a victim of any such scam, disconnect the call immediately. Inform the bank immediately. Register a complaint on 1903 cyber helpline number. Apart from this, you can complain online by going to this link online at https://cybercrime.gov.in. After this, register an FIR in the nearest cyber crime police station.
