Is there a new scam going on in Bangalore? A post on social media warned everyone of the potential danger.
Bengaluru Post shared a 60-second informational video.
“Ok Bengaluru, meanwhile this can happen in the city. So better be careful than regret later,” said a post on social media while sharing the video.
A viral video shows a street scam where a woman in need borrows a man’s phone. Instead of calling anyone, she dials a code on her cell phone and pretends to call.
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The code secretly allows “call forwarding” to another number. Now every call and message intended for you is intercepted. The bank’s OTP and other critical details go to the fraudster’s number.
The video was created by cyber education group The Fincredibles.
“This scam is spreading all over India. Scammers pretend to be couriers, delivery people or even normal people asking for help. They ask you to dial a code. The moment you dial this code, call forwarding is activated,” the video says.
“Every OTP verification call, WhatsApp call, Telegram verification code and every other verification call from the bank goes straight to the scammer,” the video continues.
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“To turn it off, dial double hash, double zero two hash. Never dial any code starting with 21, 61 and 67 from any stranger. And if this happens to you, report it immediately to 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in,” reads the advice.
The video went viral, garnering over 2 million views on Twitter (now X).
Interest on “Scam” increased on Google India from January 27 to January 28:
Interest on “Scam” increased on Google India from January 27th to January 28th(Google India)
Reaction on social networks
Social media posted mixed reactions to the awareness video.
“Next time ask them for the number and dial it and put it on speaker… without handing over the phone, you’ll end up helping them anyway,” the social media user advised.
“We won’t know if we get a real request. One option is to ask for the person’s number and dial. I recently did this when a young girl asked me if she could use my phone,” another user wrote.
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Another user wrote, “Two attempts were made when I was in Chennai… Once at Adyar bus stand in front of Kotak Bank… and once at Central… both female… both – broken mobile, need to call — reject both time!”
“Yes, all the work should be done by citizens only. Avoid scams, avoid falling into ditches, avoid traffic jams, avoid landslides, avoid criminals! The government and the babus are only there to draw salaries! Great!” came the sarcastic reply.
“Migrants just came to Bengaluru to do a scam,” came another response.
Another user wrote: “Carelessness leads to accidents. Whether it’s a bachelor who loses it by giving away his phone or a married person who loses it without giving it away.”
