Call Forwarding Scam: New Cyber Threat Wipes Out Bank Accounts Instantly

• Cybercriminals are using a new 'Call Forwarding Scam' to defraud people, posing as courier or delivery agents.
• Victims are tricked into dialing specific codes (e.g., *21, *61, *67, *401) to 'cancel parcels' or 'confirm delivery'.
• Dialing these codes activates call forwarding, redirecting all incoming calls, including bank OTPs, to the fraudster.
• Fraudsters then use banking details and intercepted OTPs to empty victims' bank accounts.
• Cyber financial fraud has surged from approximately 500 crore rupees in 2019 to 22,000 crore rupees in 2024, highlighting the need for awareness.

Why It Matters: Beware of the 'Call Forwarding Scam'; never dial unknown codes to protect your bank account from fraudsters.