How Call Merging Scam Impacts You?

If you receive a call from an unknown individual requesting you to merge the call or share an OTP–disconnect immediately! There is a high chance that it is an OTP call merging scam call. The menace of cybercrime continues to rise as scammers come up with a new sneaky trick to merge the victim’s call and steal all their money and personal information.

What is more shocking? Reports are suggesting that India is set to lose ₹20,000 crores in 2025 because of such cybercrimes. With such an alarming rate, it is crucial to stay vigilant, and Kotak811 helps you do precisely that with preventive measures. With our active #ScamKaSiren awareness campaign, we help you understand how call merging OTP scams work and how to remain protected from them.

Discover How the Call Merging OTP Scam Takes Place

Scammers are targeting unsuspecting victims and their bank accounts using the call merging OTP scam. To ensure you do not fall prey to it, understand how the scam works:

● Initial Contact from Unknown Person

Initially, you get a call from an unknown individual. They pose to know a person close to you and inform you that they have called regarding an event invite or an opportunity. In fact, many job and lottery scams take place following this same process. Some fraudsters may even pose as bank employees and may claim suspicious transactions or account upgrades.

● Call Merging Request

Further, the scammers request the victim to merge the call with another incoming call. They manipulate the victim into believing that the incoming call is from a mutual friend or a senior bank representative. It makes the illusion seem legitimate to the victim, eventually leading to the scam.

● OTP Call Connection

Here the fraudulent twist–the so-called incoming call is from another fraudster. So, once the OTP scam call is merged, the victim unknowingly connects to a legitimate OTP-verifying bank call. The scammers smartly trick the victim into sharing the OTP details.

● OTP Interception

The scammers time their calls meticulously so that the victim ends up believing that the OTP received on their phone is related to the conversation. Thus, they unknowingly share it without suspicion. Fraudsters initiate online transactions at the same time and use the shared OTP details to complete unauthorised transactions. It usually leads to heavy financial losses for the victim.

Important Note:
In certain situations, the fraudsters mute themselves on the call to listen and gather sensitive information without raising any doubts. They may also end the call abruptly on the grounds of a technical issue to avoid any suspicion being raised.

Essential Tips to Protect Yourself from OTP Call Merging Scam

The National Payments Corporation of India has issued the following preventive measures for protection against the OTP call merging scam:

● Do Not Merge Call with Unknown Contact

Avoid merging calls with unknown contacts, as call merging is a common trick used by online scammers. In case someone requests a call merge, verify their identity first.

● Never Share OTP Details

No financial institution or payment platform will ask for an OTP over the call. However, if you still receive an OTP for a transaction that you did not initiate, avoid sharing it with anyone.

● Verify Caller’s Genuine Identity

Callers can mimic being bank employees, representatives, or mutual acquaintances. So, always cross-check their details before trusting anybody with any confidential information.

● Immediately Report Suspicious Activity

If you receive an incoming call asking for OTP or requesting a call merge and you suspect something suspicious, disconnect the call. Immediately report the matter to your bank and the national cybercrime helpline by dialing 1930.

Conclusion

Digital transactions are here to make finance easy. However, online scams are making things complicated by manipulating victims, using their sensitive information, and new tricks like call merging. Thus, never share bank details with anyone over the internet or phone to keep your money safeguarded. In case of any doubtful OTP activity, report to your bank immediately. Start staying updated with news on financial scams and practice persistent vigilance.

FAQs

Q1) Which scams target OTPs in addition to the call merging scams?

Scams like phishing attacks and fake customer support calls also target OTPs. So, stay alert and never share OTPs with unknown contacts over the phone.

Q2) Can banks and telecommunication companies help in preventing call merging scams?

Banks and telecommunication companies can implement security protocols to avoid scams. However, scammers find new tricks to bypass them. So, always be vigilant and updated.

Q3) How do scammers get access to your phone number?

Scammers can quickly obtain your phone number via leaked databases or even through social media. So, be cautious of what personal information you share online.

If  you have been scammed online, immediately contact your bank, report the scam to the authorities like the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in/)and document everything related to the scam. 

This Article is for information purpose only. The views expressed in this Article do not necessarily constitute the views of Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. (“Bank”) or its employees. The Bank makes no warranty of any kind with respect to the completeness or accuracy of the material and articles contained in this Article. The information contained in this Article is sourced from empaneled external experts for the benefit of the customers and it does not constitute legal advice from the Bank. The Bank, its directors, employees and the contributors shall not be responsible or liable for any damage or loss resulting from or arising due to reliance on or use of any information contained herein.