Beware! What's Call Merging Scam? One Mistake And Your Bank Account Can Go Empty, Do THIS To Stay Safe

Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their methods to defraud people, and the latest scam to gain attention is the ‘Call Merging Scam.’ In this fraud, scammers use call merging technology to trick victims into revealing their one-time passwords (OTP), allowing them to access and empty their bank accounts.

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has issued an official warning on its X (formerly Twitter) account, alerting the public about this scam. NPCI stated that fraudsters are using call merging techniques to steal OTPs, which could lead to unauthorized access to bank accounts. Authorities have urged people to stay extra cautious and avoid falling for such tricks.

How Does the Call Merging Scam Work?

Additional DCP of Crime Branch, Indore, Rajesh Dandotiya, explains that in this scam, a fraudster calls the victim from an unknown number, claiming to have obtained their contact details from a mutual acquaintance. The scammer then states that the acquaintance is trying to reach them from another number and requests them to merge the calls.

However, the second call is actually an automated bank verification call for OTP authentication. As soon as the victim merges the calls, the scammer hears the OTP and gains access to their bank account, enabling them to withdraw funds.

What Information Can Be Stolen?

This scam is particularly dangerous as fraudsters do not stop at OTPs. During the call, they may attempt to extract sensitive financial details such as bank account numbers, debit or credit card details, CVV codes, and other confidential information. Once obtained, this information allows scammers to conduct unauthorized transactions and deplete the victim’s bank account.

How to Stay Safe from the Call Merging Scam?

To protect yourself from such scams, follow these precautions:

Never merge calls from unknown numbers.

Do not share OTPs or banking details over the phone.

Verify any financial requests directly with the concerned bank or person.

Enable multi-factor authentication for online transactions.

Report suspicious calls to cybercrime authorities immediately.

Staying vigilant and aware of cyber fraud tactics is essential to protecting your finances. Authorities recommend spreading awareness to prevent more people from falling victim to such scams.