A seemingly trivial setting in mobile phones has now emerged as a major threat to users, where hackers can access your calls and sensitive bank information with just a code.
Experts say that if precautions are not taken in time, this procedure can even put your savings at risk.
In this new fraud that has come to light recently, hackers neither require your password nor do they directly ask for an OTP. Instead, they adopt a clever method called a “call forwarding scheme”, through which the user is targeted without knowing.
In this fraud, the fraudsters pretend to be a bank official, customer service representative or delivery boy and call the user on the pretext of some problem. They skillfully give the impression that a specific code must be dialed from the phone to solve the problem. This code is usually 21# or 401#. Most people, falling for their tricks, dial these codes, which actually turns out to be an alarm bell.
As soon as this code is dialed, the user’s calls, messages and OTPs start being secretly forwarded to another number. In this way, the hacker easily gains access to the bank account and the risk of financial loss increases. Apart from this, WhatsApp and other social media accounts can also be targeted.
The most dangerous thing about this method of attack is that it does not require installing any app or sharing the OTP, meaning the entire process is completed silently and the user does not know anything until the damage is done.
Check your mobile’s call forwarding yourself
According to experts, users should immediately check the call forwarding settings of their phone. For this, you can find out whether the calls are being forwarded to another number or not by dialing the specific codes #62# or #21#. If an unknown number appears on the screen, remove it immediately.
Turn off call forwarding
If you suspect that call forwarding has been enabled on your phone, you can turn off all forwarding settings by dialing a specific code ##002#, which can help prevent potential loss.
As a safety precaution, experts strongly recommend that you do not dial any code on any unknown call, nor share your OTP or PIN with anyone. If someone asks you to do so under any pretext, end the call immediately.
Remember, a small carelessness can lead to big losses, so timely precautions are the only guarantee of your financial security.