Cybercrime Unit Warns: USSD Call Forwarding Scam Targets Bank Accounts, Dial ##002# Now!

• National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit warns of a USSD-based call forwarding scam leading to financial fraud and account takeovers, bypassing internet security.
• Scammers impersonate delivery agents, tricking users into dialing USSD codes (e.g., starting with 21) that redirect bank, OTP, and app verification calls to the fraudster.
• This allows criminals to approve transactions, reset passwords, and seize control of accounts without the victim's immediate knowledge, as USSD works without internet and lacks alerts.
• Authorities advise against dialing unknown USSD codes (like 21, 61, 67) and recommend dialing ##002# to immediately cancel all call forwarding services.
• Report any fraud by calling 1930 or using the national cybercrime reporting portal; verify delivery links only through official channels.

Why It Matters: Beware of USSD call forwarding scams; never dial unknown codes and use ##002# to secure your phone.