Himachal Police Alert Public to Call Forwarding Cyber Fraud
In a concerning development, cybercriminals in Himachal Pradesh have adopted a sophisticated new modus operandi involving call forwarding to dupe unsuspecting individuals. Law enforcement agencies across the state have issued urgent warnings to residents, highlighting this emerging threat that exploits telecommunications technology for illicit gains.
How the Call Forwarding Scam Operates
The fraudulent scheme typically begins with cybercriminals obtaining personal details of their targets through data breaches or social engineering tactics. Using this information, the perpetrators initiate a call forwarding request from the victim's mobile number to a number controlled by the criminals themselves. This technical manipulation allows the fraudsters to intercept incoming calls intended for the victim.
Once call forwarding is activated, the scammers impersonate bank officials, government authorities, or law enforcement personnel. They contact the victim's contacts or financial institutions, claiming urgent issues require immediate resolution. By redirecting verification calls to their own numbers, the criminals bypass security protocols and gain unauthorized access to accounts or extract sensitive information.
Recent Cases and Police Response
Several incidents have been reported across Himachal Pradesh where individuals have fallen prey to this elaborate scam. In one notable case, a Shimla resident lost significant funds after criminals forwarded calls from their bank and convinced family members to transfer money under false pretenses.
Police authorities have intensified their cybercrime investigations and public awareness campaigns. "We are witnessing a shift in cybercriminal tactics," stated a senior police official. "Call forwarding scams represent a more advanced form of social engineering that requires public vigilance and prompt reporting."
Protective Measures and Recommendations
To safeguard against such frauds, cybersecurity experts and police recommend:
- Regularly check mobile settings for unauthorized call forwarding activation
- Never share personal identification numbers, passwords, or OTPs with unknown callers
- Verify the identity of callers claiming to be officials through independent channels
- Enable two-factor authentication on financial and social media accounts
- Report suspicious calls or potential fraud immediately to cybercrime helplines
The Himachal Pradesh Police have established dedicated cyber cells and helplines to assist victims and investigate such cases. Public cooperation in reporting incidents promptly remains crucial to combating these evolving digital threats effectively.
