The word scam itself is enough to send shivers down the spine. Imagine working hard, saving money for your children’s future, their wedding, or an emergency, only to lose it all in a blink of an eye. With the rise of technology, scams are also evolving, becoming more sophisticated and dangerous.
You have probably heard about Aadhaar card verification scams, digital arrest scams, debit card renewal scams, and even the infamous honey trap scams. But now, there’s a new scam in town; Call Merging Scam. No matter how strict the laws get, these fraudsters always find loopholes to cheat people.
Even the government is issuing official warnings, and awareness messages are being sent through calls and messages. But despite all efforts, people are still falling victim to these scams. That’s why it is more important than ever to stay alert. No matter what happens, never share your OTP with anyone, even if the person on the call sounds like your own loved one. Always verify before taking any action.
Now, let me break down this Call Merging Scam for you and tell you how to stay safe. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has officially warned users about this fraud on its X (formerly Twitter) account.
It starts with a call from an unknown number. The caller claims to have got your number from a friend and asks you to merge a call with that “friend” who is supposedly calling from another number. Once you merge the calls, you are unknowingly connected to a genuine OTP verification call from your bank.
The scammers plan this perfectly, ensuring that you hear the OTP and unknowingly share it. The moment you do, they use it to complete fraudulent transactions, wiping out your bank account.
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), managed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has issued a public alert about this scam. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), they warned users:
“Scammers are using call merging to trick you into revealing OTPs. Don’t fall for it! Stay alert and protect your money.”
How to stay safe
To avoid becoming a victim of this scam, follow these precautions:
- Never merge calls from unknown numbers: If someone asks you to merge calls, be extra cautious.
- Verify who is calling: If a person claims to be from your bank or someone you know, confirm their identity before proceeding.
- Report suspicious OTP requests: If you receive an OTP that you did not request, call 1930 immediately to report it to your bank.
A recent survey found that over one-third of people in India have been targeted by real-time payment scams. A report by global analytics firm FICO revealed that 60% of respondents received scam messages, while 54% knew someone who had fallen victim to fraud.
Although fewer people reported financial losses in 2024 compared to 2023, cases where victims lost over ₹8 lakh have doubled from 2% to 4%.
Online scams are evolving, and fraudsters are finding new ways to trick people. Always double-check who you are talking to and never share OTPs with anyone. If something feels suspicious, report it immediately. Your awareness can keep your money safe.
