Smartphones make life effortless—from UPI payments to video calls—but cyber frauds have exploded alongside, with millions duped yearly. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a critical alert on a new scam exploiting USSD call forwarding, where fraudsters hijack incoming calls (including bank OTPs) to drain accounts. Fail to check settings, and your bank could empty silently. UP alone lost ₹50cr+ to this in 2025; simple 5-minute tweak saves everything.
Final Call: FCRF Opens Last Registration Window for GRC and DPO Certifications
How USSD Scam Works—OTP Hijack in Seconds
USSD codes like *#21# control call forwarding. Fraudsters call as “bank verify,” tricking victims into dialing 21their-number#. All incoming calls—including OTPs—divert to scammers. Your phone stays silent; they grab codes, UPI-swipe lakhs.
Ganga Nagar’s Sharma aunty lost ₹2.5L: “Bank call said dial 21 for verification. Next day, account zero.” Police confirmed forwarding active—fraudster controlled OTPs. 80% UPI frauds now use this, per MHA. Mixed with “digital arrest”: “NIA probe—forward calls or arrested.”
Fraudsters’ Tricks: From Free Recharge to Police Threats
Scammers push “free recharge” apps seeking USSD permission or “KYC update” codes. “Account hacked—dial 401 for secure.” Heat-stable USSD bypasses locks. RBI ordered banks to block suspicious diversions; MHA campaign: “Check ##002# weekly.”
5 Essential Phone Changes—Do This Today
MHA’s step-by-step guide for Android/iOS:
- Dial *#21#—check forwarding status. Active? Danger!
- Dial ##21#—deactivate all forwards.
- Dial ##002#—reset all service codes.
- Settings > Calls > Forwarding > Disable (manual toggle).
- UPI app: Biometric ON, daily limit ₹5k.
Test: Call yourself—if rings, safe. Takes 5 mins, lasts forever.
Report Fast—80% Recovery Possible
Scammed? Dial 1930 immediately, cybercrime.gov.in FIR with screenshots. 1hr report freezes accounts—80% funds back. Police: “Call logs prove forwarding; easy bust.” UP launched village drives post-alert.
MHA: “Settings check = fraud stop.” Protect family—share now!
