New Delhi, January 11 – The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a warning to citizens about a new scam involving malicious incoming calls. The scam involves fraudsters posing as customer service representatives or technical support staff from telecom service providers. These scammers trick unsuspecting victims into dialing *401# followed by an unknown mobile number. Once the code is dialed, unconditional call forwarding is activated on the victim’s mobile number, allowing the fraudster to intercept and potentially defraud incoming calls.
The DoT’s proactive drive aims to protect citizens from falling victim to cyber crimes and fraud. By alerting the public to this scam, the department hopes to prevent further incidents of call forwarding and subsequent fraudulent activities.
The scam operates by exploiting the trust of telecom subscribers. The fraudster pretends to be a representative from the victim’s service provider and claims there is an issue with the SIM card, network, or service quality. To resolve the supposed problem, the fraudster instructs the victim to dial *401# followed by a specific mobile number. By doing so, the victim unknowingly activates unconditional call forwarding, forwarding all incoming calls to the fraudster’s mobile number.
The consequences of falling into this scam can be severe, as fraudsters gain unauthorized access to personal information and exploit it for fraudulent purposes. To protect themselves, the DoT advises mobile phone users to check their phone settings for call forwarding and immediately disable it if enabled. They should only enable call forwarding when necessary, to prevent falling victim to such scams.
This warning from the DoT is a timely reminder for mobile phone users to stay vigilant against potential threats. By staying informed and taking precautionary measures, individuals can protect themselves from falling prey to cyber fraud and the unauthorized forwarding of their calls.
In the digital era, cyber crimes and fraud continue to pose a significant threat. As technology evolves, so do the tactics of fraudsters. It is crucial for citizens to be aware of such scams and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. By working together, individuals and law enforcement agencies can combat cyber crimes and ensure a safer digital environment for all.
