*401# Call Forwarding Scam: What is it & How Can You Stay Safe?،
Nowadays, cybercriminals continue to commit various scams to deceive users into stealing their money or violating their privacy. A recent scam that has gained momentum is the call forwarding scam affecting Jio, Airtel and other telecom users. The *401# call forwarding scam includes fraudsters posing as customer service executives and aiming to exploit unsuspecting users. Telecom operators like Jio and Airtel along with Truecaller have warned users against call forwarding scams.
What is the *401# call forwarding scam?
The call forwarding scam is a deceptive scheme in which scammers pretend to be customer service representatives of mobile or Internet service providers. They call users and inform them of problems with their mobile Internet, account security or SIM cards. In the next step, they offer a quick solution by dialing a specific number like 401, which will activate call forwarding to the scammer’s number.
As part of this scam, the criminal then accesses the victim’s phone calls, potentially intercepting voice OTPs. The person being scammed doesn’t realize it because their phone doesn’t ring. The scammer’s goal behind this scam is to gain access to money and sensitive information, including banking details and messaging apps.
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Means used by fraudsters to implement the scam
- While some users outright believe the scammers, others may not be so convinced. This is the reason why scammers use various methods to lure innocent people into their scam.
- They may ask about mobile internet or broadband issues, claim the person’s account has been compromised, or claim their SIM card is having problems.
Once they have gained the person’s trust, they offer them a quick solution by asking them to dial a specific number including 401. As soon as the person does this, call forwarding is activated on the number of the person. ‘scammer and the person doesn’t know what’s going on with it. him.
Stay safe from call forwarding scams
- Strengthen the security of your phone by using passcodes or biometric authentication methods so that it becomes difficult for unauthorized access to the phone.
- Do not dial codes or respond to text messages from unknown sources. No matter how hard anyone tries to convince you to do it.
- Never share sensitive information like OTPs, PINs or passwords with anyone. Please note, companies like Airtel and Jio never ask for such information.
- Stay alert and attentive. Use common sense and analyze the caller’s tone and intentions before continuing the call.
- Install apps like Truecaller to protect yourself against call forwarding scams by verifying caller numbers. Since Truecaller displays the caller’s information, you can disconnect the call and stay safe from the scam.
- You can also ask your telecom providers like Jio, Airtel, etc. to remove call forwarding from your number if you think you are the victim of a scam.
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