Call Forwarding Scam on the Rise in Himachal Pradesh: A Growing Digital Threat
Authorities in Himachal Pradesh are reporting a significant increase in a sophisticated call forwarding scam, which is targeting residents across the state. This cyber fraud involves tricking individuals into enabling call forwarding on their mobile phones, allowing scammers to intercept sensitive communications and potentially steal personal and financial information.
What Is the Call Forwarding Scam?
The scam typically begins with a phone call from fraudsters posing as representatives from legitimate organizations, such as banks, telecom companies, or government agencies. They use social engineering tactics to gain the victim's trust, often claiming there is an urgent issue with their account or service that requires immediate attention.
Once trust is established, the scammer instructs the victim to dial a specific code, such as *72# or *21#, which activates call forwarding on their device. This setting redirects all incoming calls to a number controlled by the fraudsters, without the victim's knowledge. As a result, the scammers can intercept important calls, including those from banks for OTPs (One-Time Passwords) or verification codes, enabling them to bypass security measures and access accounts.
How the Scam Operates
Fraudsters often use high-pressure tactics, creating a sense of urgency to prevent victims from thinking critically. They may claim that the victim's SIM card is being misused or that their bank account is at risk, prompting quick action. In some cases, they ask victims to share personal details under the guise of verification, further compromising security.
Once call forwarding is enabled, the scammers can:
- Intercept OTPs and verification codes sent via phone calls.
- Gain unauthorized access to bank accounts and other sensitive services.
- Monitor communications to gather additional personal information.
- Use the victim's phone number for further fraudulent activities.
This scam exploits the technical feature of call forwarding, which is designed for legitimate purposes like redirecting calls when traveling or in areas with poor reception. However, in the wrong hands, it becomes a powerful tool for cybercrime.
How to Stay Safe from Call Forwarding Scams
To protect yourself from this rising threat in Himachal Pradesh, follow these essential safety tips:
- Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Calls: Never trust callers who claim to be from official organizations without verifying their identity independently. Hang up and contact the organization directly using a known phone number from their website or official documents.
- Avoid Dialing Unknown Codes: Do not dial any codes, such as *72# or *21#, if instructed by an unknown caller. These are common codes for activating call forwarding and should only be used with caution and for legitimate reasons.
- Check Call Forwarding Settings Regularly: Periodically review your phone's call forwarding settings to ensure they haven't been tampered with. On most devices, you can check this in the phone settings or by dialing specific codes like *#21# to see if forwarding is active.
- Never Share Personal Information: Refrain from sharing sensitive details like OTPs, passwords, or bank account numbers over the phone, especially with unsolicited callers.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect you've fallen victim to a scam, immediately contact your telecom provider to disable call forwarding and report the incident to local authorities or cybercrime cells.
- Educate Others: Spread awareness about this scam among family and friends, particularly those who may be less tech-savvy, to help prevent further victims.
By staying vigilant and informed, residents of Himachal Pradesh can reduce their risk of falling prey to this escalating call forwarding scam. Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and prioritize digital safety in an increasingly connected world.
