Beware of Call Forwarding Scam

Please be informed about this new call forwarding scam wherein fraudsters approach you and impersonate an authorised representative from a legitimate organization and trick you into dialing a code purportedly for troubleshooting, which results in your calls getting forwarded to the fraudster’s number and compromising of your sensitive personal and financial information.

Modus Operandi:

Scammers pose themselves as an authorised representative of a legitimate organization, such as E-commerce customer service agents, telecom service providers, tech support agents, etc.
They initiate contact, using a false identity, e.g. claiming to be a delivery person and facing an issue locating the address of parcel’s recipient to gain the recipient’s trust.
Scammer asks recipient to dial an extension code followed by a contact number of the delivery person in this format - 401*<10-digit mobile number>.
This code (*401*) is deceptively presented as a prerequisite to ensure the successful delivery of the parcel, implying that the failure to dial the code would result in the non-delivery of the parcel.
As soon as the code is dialed, your incoming calls, messages, sensitive information including PINs, OTPs etc. are redirected to scammer’s number, leading to financial loss.

Safeguarding measures:

Always verify the legitimacy of any call or message requesting changes to your device settings, especially call forwarding
Never dial any code or send SMS from your number at the behest of any unsolicited caller
Contact your service provider through their official website to verify any such request
Enable two-factor authentication on you accounts for an added layer of security
Never share any sensitive personal or financial information with anyone or click on any unsolicited links
Do not blindly follow instructions or take immediate actions based on urgent requests from unverified callers
Regularly check your phone’s settings, especially call forwarding options, to ensure they haven’t been altered without your knowledge.
Ensure your phone’s operating system and anti-virus software are updated with the latest security patches.

To report a cyber crime, dial helpline number 1930 (earlier 155260) or report the incident on National Cybercrime Reporting Portal www.cybercrime.gov.in

To know how to file a complaint to Axis Bank, watch this video.

Be alert, think before you act & stay safe