Viral Video Reveals Dangerous Phone Scam
Bangalore is witnessing a concerning uptick in street scams where individuals impersonate delivery agents or just ordinary people in need. A recent viral video sheds light on how these fraudsters manipulate unsuspecting individuals to divert important calls and messages to themselves.
The video shows a woman borrowing a man’s mobile phone under the guise of an emergency. Instead of making a legitimate call, she dials a specific code that covertly activates call forwarding, sending all incoming calls—including critical banking OTPs—to a scammer’s phone.
Understanding the Tactics
The cyber education organization The Fincredibles produced the video, emphasizing the increasing prevalence of this scam across various Indian cities. In the video, the technique is demonstrated clearly, conveying how easily one can fall victim to this scheme. The woman pretends to frantically search for a number, which creates a sense of urgency in her target.
According to reports, this scam’s design relies heavily on psychological manipulation. “Scammers often pose as delivery agents or regular folks seeking help,” a representative from The Fincredibles stated. “The moment a victim enters a specific code into their phone, they unwittingly enable call forwarding.”
Rise in Scam Reports
In response to increased social media coverage, public interest in scams has surged. Data from Google India shows a spike in online searches for “scam” from January 27 to January 28. This indicates a growing awareness among residents regarding potential threats.
Authorities have stressed the need for increased vigilance. “People should never dial any code shared by strangers, especially those starting with 21, 61, or 67,” an official from the local cybercrime unit advised. They recommend dialing double hash followed by double zero two hash to deactivate any unintended forwarding.
Public Reactions and Precautions
The awareness video has sparked mixed reactions on social media. While many appreciated the cautionary message, others shared personal experiences of similar scams. “Next time someone asks to borrow your phone, try dialling the number for them with the phone on speaker,” one user suggested, highlighting a preventive measure.
Conversely, some users expressed frustration with the situation. “It’s disappointing that citizens must remain wary all the time. Why isn’t law enforcement more proactive in tackling such scams?” questioned another observer.
Preventive Measures and Reporting
The cybercrime unit has urged the public to report any suspicious incidents immediately. Users are encouraged to call 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in if they experience anything resembling this scam.
Community leaders are also advocating for DNA—do not assist—and warn others about potential scams. “We cannot ignore the tactics employed by scammers,” a community leader said. “Instead, we must educate each other.”
Conclusion: A Call for Awareness
As scams become increasingly sophisticated, the need for community vigilance cannot be overstated. Bangalore residents are urged to cultivate an attitude of skepticism and caution towards phone-related requests from strangers.
While this recent scam highlights a troubling trend, it also represents an opportunity for increased public awareness and education. By sharing knowledge and best practices, communities can work together to protect themselves against such fraudulent activities.