In the digital age, cyber criminals are constantly trying to cheat people by adopting new methods. Recently, a new cyber fraud called call merging scam has been revealed, in which the thugs reach the victims' WhatsApp, Gmail, bank account and other digital data. This scam is targeting doctors, businessmen and officers sitting in high positions, especially.

How does a call merging scam work?

In this scam, criminals first call in the voice of an familiar person or present themselves using a trusted name. Then, they ask the victim to merge the call from some excuse, as it is part of a verification process.

As soon as the call is merged, criminals intercept OTP. On hearing OTP, they hack the victim's account and reach his email, photos, bank details and location history. In cases of WhatsApp hacking, they set two-factor authentication (2FA), which makes the victim out of his own account. After this, they start cheating the victim's contacts.

How to avoid this scam?

Avoid call merging: If someone asks you to merge the call, then be alert immediately. Do not trust the call from any unknown number.
Do not share OTP with anyone: Whether someone calls himself a bank officer or government employee, never share OTP.
Secure vaisel: Cheating OTP can take access by sending it to Visemell, so set a strong vaisel pin.
Verify suspicious calls: If an unknown person makes some unusual demand, then cut the phone and call the person himself and verify it.
Boundaries on banking and UPI transactions: Set the transaction limit on UPI and bank account to avoid financial fraud.

What to do if there is fraud?

• Call the 1930 cyber helpline immediately and report the incident.
• Inform your bank so that suspicious transactions can be prevented.
• Start the recovery process immediately for Whatsapp and Gmail and secure your account.

Call merging scam is a new and dangerous cyber crime, due to which vigilance is the biggest weapon of prevention. Be conscious to avoid fraud, be cautious and protect your digital accounts.