The Pune Cyber Police has sounded the alarm on a disturbing new trend in digital fraud that's leaving bank accounts vulnerable to complete takeover. Cyber criminals have developed sophisticated methods to intercept your One-Time Passwords (OTPs) through call forwarding scams, putting your hard-earned money at serious risk.
How the Elaborate Scam Unfolds
According to cybersecurity experts, the fraud begins with a seemingly innocent phone call. The scammer, posing as a bank representative or customer service agent, convinces victims to reveal crucial information or download malicious applications.
The deception works through multiple stages:
- Victims receive calls from numbers mimicking legitimate bank helplines
- Fraudsters use social engineering to gain trust and extract personal information
- Scammers remotely activate call forwarding on the victim's phone
- All incoming calls, including crucial OTP calls from banks, get redirected to criminal-controlled numbers
- With OTP access, thieves can bypass security and empty bank accounts within minutes
Privacy Breaches Pave Way for Financial Theft
The police advisory highlights how these scams represent a double threat – not only do they compromise financial security but they also constitute serious privacy violations. By gaining unauthorized access to phone systems, criminals can monitor communications and gather sensitive personal data beyond just banking information.
Protective Measures Every Smartphone User Must Take
- Verify caller identity: Always call back on official bank numbers to confirm authenticity
- Never share OTPs: Legitimate organizations will never ask for your OTP
- Check call forwarding settings: Regularly monitor your phone's call forwarding status using USSD codes
- Avoid suspicious apps: Don't download applications suggested by unknown callers
- Enable two-factor authentication: Use multiple security layers for important accounts
The Pune Cyber Police has urged citizens to immediately report any suspicious calls or financial irregularities to their dedicated cyber crime helpline. With digital payments becoming increasingly prevalent, understanding these new-age threats is no longer optional – it's essential for every smartphone user.
