NPCI Warns About a New Call-Merging Scam

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has alerted people about a new scam that tricks users into sharing their One-Time Passwords (OTPs), allowing fraudsters to steal money.

NPCI, the organization behind UPI (Unified Payments Interface), posted on X (formerly Twitter) saying,
“Scammers are using call merging to trick you into revealing OTPs. Stay alert and protect your money!”

How Does the Scam Work?

1. A scammer calls the victim, pretending to be a mutual friend or a bank representative.
2. They claim that another friend (or the bank) is trying to reach the victim and request them to merge the calls.
3. Once the call is merged, the victim unknowingly connects with an actual OTP verification call from their bank.
4. Thinking it’s a normal verification process, the victim shares the OTP, allowing scammers to finalize a fraudulent transaction.
5. The victim’s money is stolen before they even realize what happened.

How to Stay Safe?

NPCI has shared important tips to avoid such scams:

• Never merge calls with unknown numbers – If someone asks to merge calls, be cautious, especially if you don’t recognize them.
• Verify the caller’s identity – If a person claims to be from your bank or a friend, confirm their identity before sharing any information.
• Report suspicious OTPs – If you receive an OTP for a transaction you did not request, call 1930 (the national cyber crime helpline) immediately to report the fraud.

Additional Safety Measures:

• Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Activate extra security features on banking apps.
• Keep Personal Information Private: Never share OTPs, bank details, or passwords over the phone.
• Monitor Bank Statements: Regularly check your transactions to catch any suspicious activity.
• Stay Informed: Learn about the latest scams so you can recognize and avoid them.

Scams on the Rise in India

A recent survey found that over one-third of Indians have been victims of real-time payment scams. According to a report by FICO, a global analytics company:

• 60% of people have received scam messages.
• 54% know someone—a friend or family member—who has been scammed.
• Though fewer people reported financial losses in 2024 compared to 2023, the total amount lost has doubled, with some victims losing over Rs 8 lakh.

By following these safety tips, you can protect yourself from scams and keep your money secure!