Cyber Crime
NPCI Warns: Fraudsters Using Call Merging to Steal OTPs – How to Stay Safe
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has issued a warning about a new scam where fraudsters manipulate call merging techniques to trick individuals into revealing their One-Time Passwords (OTPs), leading to financial fraud.
How the Scam Works
Fraudsters initiate a call, pretending to be a friend or acquaintance of the victim. They claim to have obtained the user’s contact details from a mutual connection and request that the victim merge the call to include this person. Unaware of the scam, the victim agrees, unknowingly connecting to a legitimate OTP verification call from their bank.
The criminals meticulously time their calls so that when the victim receives an OTP, they assume it is related to the ongoing conversation and share it without suspicion. The fraudsters then use the OTP to complete unauthorized transactions, resulting in financial losses for the victim.
NPCI’s Warning
NPCI, the organization behind Unified Payments Interface (UPI), took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to alert users. In their post, NPCI stated:
“Scammers are using call merging to trick you into revealing OTPs. Don’t fall for it! Stay alert and protect your money.”
How to Stay Safe
To safeguard against such scams, NPCI has provided the following precautionary measures:
- Avoid Merging Calls from Unknown Numbers – Fraudsters use this tactic to gain trust and manipulate victims. If someone requests a call merge, verify their identity before proceeding.
- Verify the Identity of Callers – Scammers pose as bank representatives or mutual acquaintances. Always cross-check details before sharing any personal or banking information.
- Never Share OTPs – Banks and payment platforms never ask for OTPs over the phone. If you receive an OTP for a transaction you did not initiate, do not share it with anyone.
- Report Suspicious Activity Immediately – If you suspect fraud or have accidentally shared an OTP, call 1930, the national cybercrime helpline, and notify your bank immediately to prevent unauthorized transactions.
Stay Vigilant Against Cybercrime
NPCI continues to work with banks and security agencies to tackle emerging threats in digital transactions, reinforcing the importance of user awareness and cybersecurity measures in today’s digital age.