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The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)<\/strong><\/a> has issued a critical warning to UPI users<\/strong> about a new type of financial fraud<\/strong> called the <\/span>Call Merging Scam. Cybercriminals are using this method to trick victims into revealing <\/span>one-time passwords (OTPs), allowing them to gain unauthorized access to bank accounts and steal money. NPCI has urged users to remain vigilant and avoid merging calls from unknown numbers.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Cybercriminals are constantly developing new ways to defraud users, and this scam specifically targets UPI transactions. Here\u2019s how it works:<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n @DelhiPolice<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Step 1: The scammer calls the victim, posing as a recruiter offering a job interview, a bank executive, or an event organizer.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Step 2: They claim to have received the victim\u2019s number from a mutual friend, making the call seem legitimate.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Step 3: The scammer then requests the victim to merge the call with another incoming number, pretending that their \u201cfriend\u201d or another representative needs to join the conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Step 4: The second call is actually an <\/span>automated OTP call from the victim\u2019s bank.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Step 5: By merging the call, the scammer overhears the OTP and quickly uses it to access the victim\u2019s <\/span>UPI-linked bank account, authorizing fraudulent transactions.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n @DelhiPolice<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The <\/span>Call Merging Scam is particularly dangerous because:<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Exploits User Trust \u2013 Scammers pretend to be from reputable sources, making victims lower their guard.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Bypasses Common Security Measures \u2013 OTPs are a primary security layer for UPI transactions. Once scammers obtain them, they can transfer funds immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Goes Undetected Until It\u2019s Too Late \u2013 Victims often don\u2019t realize they\u2019ve been scammed until they check their bank balance, by which time the money is already gone.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n To safeguard your finances and personal information, follow these preventive measures:<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n @DelhiPolice<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n If someone requests you to merge an incoming call, <\/span>refuse immediately. Legitimate organizations and recruiters <\/span>never ask for this.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n OTPs are confidential and should never be shared, even if the caller claims to be from your bank, a friend, or a government agency.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Most smartphones have <\/span>built-in spam call filters. Activate them to block suspicious numbers automatically.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n If you receive a call from an alleged <\/span>recruiter, event organizer, or bank representative, verify their identity separately. Call the official company number to confirm their claims.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n If you suspect a scam, report it immediately to:<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Your <\/span>bank\u2019s fraud helpline<\/p>\n The <\/span>Cybercrime helpline (1930)<\/p>\n The <\/span>National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (<\/span>www.cybercrime.gov.in<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Avoid responding to OTP calls and rely only on <\/span>official banking apps for transactions.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Follow <\/span>official NPCI<\/a> and bank notifications to stay aware of new scam techniques and cybersecurity best practices.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n As scammers develop <\/span>new and sophisticated fraud techniques, staying <\/span>informed and cautious is the best defense. If you receive <\/span>any suspicious call asking you to merge lines, <\/span>hang up immediately and <\/span>report the number. By taking proactive steps, you can <\/span>safeguard your hard-earned money and prevent financial fraud.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Latest Technology News | Updates<\/a> | Latest Electric Vehicle News | Updates<\/a> | Electronics News<\/a> | Mobile News | Updates<\/a> | Software Updates<\/a><\/p>\n \n Facebook<\/a> | Twitter<\/a> | WhatsApp Channel<\/a> | Instagram<\/a> | Telegram<\/a> | Threads<\/a> | LinkedIn<\/a> | YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Stay informed, Stay Connected!<\/p>\n The post Call Merging Scam Alert: How Cybercriminals Steal OTPs to Empty Bank Accounts & Ways to Stay Safe<\/a> appeared first on Before You Take<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u00a0 The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has issued a critical warning to UPI users about a new type of financial fraud called the Call Merging Scam. Cybercriminals are using this method to trick victims into revealing one-time passwords (OTPs), allowing them Continue reading Call Merging Scam Alert: How Cybercriminals Steal OTPs to Empty Bank Accounts & Ways to Stay Safe<\/span>What is the Call Merging Scam?<\/h1>\n
Why is This Scam So Dangerous?<\/h2>\n
How to Protect Yourself from the Call Merging Scam<\/h2>\n
Never Merge Calls from Unknown Numbers<\/h3>\n
Do Not Share OTPs Over Calls<\/h3>\n
Enable Spam Call Detection<\/h3>\n
Verify Unknown Callers Independently<\/h3>\n
Report Fraudulent Calls<\/h3>\n
Use Secure Banking Apps<\/h3>\n
Stay Updated on Fraud Trends<\/h3>\n
Conclusion<\/h1>\n
Follow Before You Take<\/a> on:\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n