Hyderabad | Special Correspondent|November 6, 2025: Cybercriminals have now devised a new method that has put even “secure” iPhone users at risk. Hyderabad Police on Wednesday issued a public alert, warning that the scam is a device-neutral fraud — equally effective on both Android and iPhone devices.
The fraud exploits the call forwarding feature to hijack victims’ WhatsApp accounts. Using this trick, criminals activate the victim’s WhatsApp on a new device and then defraud their contacts by sending messages requesting money.
How the Fraud Works: The “Parcel Verification” Trap
Scammers typically pose as courier company employees and call unsuspecting users, saying:
“Sir/Ma’am, your parcel has arrived. Please dial this code for verification — *21number#.”
As soon as the victim dials the code, all incoming calls are automatically forwarded to the scammer’s number. The fraudsters then initiate a call-based verification on WhatsApp — and since the verification call now reaches them, they can successfully hijack the victim’s account.
After taking control, they send urgent messages to the victim’s contacts, such as —
“I’m in trouble. Please send money immediately.”
When contacts try calling the victim, they find the number unreachable — prompting them to believe the message is genuine and transfer money.
Even iPhone Users Now Vulnerable
According to the Telangana State Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB), this scam is not limited to any single operating system.
“Cybercriminals are now exploiting telecom-level call forwarding features that work across all smartphones,” a senior official said.
Expert Analysis
Renowned cybercrime expert Professor Triveni Singh explained that this new form of fraud marks the rise of social engineering—where criminals target human behavior instead of software flaws.
“Today’s cybercriminals are extremely sophisticated. They no longer rely on exploiting system vulnerabilities — they exploit user carelessness. The misuse of call forwarding is a classic example of this. The real danger doesn’t lie in technology, but in negligence.”
He further added
“It’s time to abandon the myth that iPhones or any particular brand of phone are completely safe. Cybercriminals have become device-neutral — their methods work across all platforms. The only real defense is digital vigilance and awareness.”
Safety Tips from Cyber Police
The Telangana Cyber Police have urged citizens to remain cautious and adopt preventive digital habits:
- Never dial codes or numbers shared by unknown callers or messages.
- Regularly review your phone’s call forwarding settings and disable them if unnecessary.
- Reinstall WhatsApp only after ensuring your number is secure.
- Report any suspicious activity immediately via Helpline 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
Conclusion
Cybercrime has evolved beyond the boundaries of devices and operating systems. Whether iPhone or Android, the true measure of safety now depends on user awareness.
“Before making your phone smart, make yourself smarter — that’s the strongest shield in today’s digital world.”
