Call Merging Scam | Explained: What Is The New Call Merging Scam And How to Stay Safe

In recent times, a new scam has been gaining traction, known as the Call Merging Scam. This fraudulent tactic exploits a common feature on smartphones—the ability to merge multiple calls—to trick unsuspecting individuals into sharing One-Time Passwords (OTPs), ultimately leading to financial fraud. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has issued warnings about this scam, urging people to be cautious while handling phone calls involving merging or conferencing.

How Does the Call Merging Scam Work?

Scammers use social engineering tactics to manipulate their victims into unknowingly facilitating fraudulent activities. Here’s how the scam typically unfolds:

1. Initial Contact

The scammer calls the victim, pretending to be a friend, acquaintance, or a representative from a trusted organization. They may claim they got the number from a mutual friend or another legitimate source.

2. Request to Merge Calls

The scammer then requests the victim to merge the ongoing call with another incoming call. This is often done under a pretext, such as verifying some information or connecting the victim with another individual (who is also part of the scam).

3. Connection to an OTP Call

Once the call is merged, the victim unknowingly connects to a One-Time Password (OTP) verification call from their bank or financial institution. The scammer orchestrates this by initiating a banking transaction that prompts an OTP verification call to the victim’s number.

4. Extraction of OTP

Through manipulation and social engineering, the scammer deceives the victim into sharing the OTP, either by directly asking for it or by tricking them into pressing a number that confirms the transaction. With the OTP in hand, the fraudster can complete unauthorized transactions, leading to financial loss for the victim.

Why Is This Scam So Effective?

The effectiveness of this scam lies in its ability to exploit human psychology and the trust that people place in phone conversations. Here are some key reasons why this scam works:

• False Sense of Urgency – Scammers create a sense of urgency, making victims believe that immediate action is required, leaving little room for suspicion.
• Lack of Awareness – Many people are unaware that call merging can be used for fraud, making them more likely to comply with the scammer’s request.
• Disguised Legitimacy – By posing as bank representatives or acquaintances, scammers make their calls seem legitimate, lowering the victim’s guard.
• Exploitation of Phone Features – Since call merging is a normal feature on smartphones, most users do not question its legitimacy.

How to Protect Yourself from the Call Merging Scam

Given the sophisticated nature of this scam, it is essential to stay vigilant and take precautionary measures to avoid falling victim to fraudsters. Here’s how you can protect yourself:

1. Do Not Merge Calls with Unknown Callers

If someone requests you to merge a call with another number, be skeptical, especially if you do not recognize the caller. If the request comes from someone you know, verify their identity before proceeding.

2. Verify the Identity of Callers

If someone claims to be from your bank, service provider, or any organization, do not take their word for it. Hang up and call the official number of the organization to confirm the legitimacy of the request.

3. Understand Bank Protocols

Banks and financial institutions never ask for OTPs, passwords, or PINs over the phone. If someone asks for such details, it is a red flag indicating fraud.

4. Be Cautious of OTP Verification Calls

If you receive an OTP verification call that you did not initiate, do not share or confirm any details. Contact your bank immediately to report the incident.

5. Report Suspicious Calls

If you receive a suspicious call related to OTPs, transactions, or call merging, report it immediately to the authorities. In India, you can call 1930, the national cybercrime helpline, or report it via the cybercrime.gov.in portal.

6. Educate Yourself and Others

Awareness is key to preventing scams. Inform your friends, family, and colleagues about this type of fraud so they can stay alert and avoid being deceived.

What If You Have Already Been Scammed?

If you suspect that you have fallen victim to the Call Merging Scam, act quickly:

• Immediately Contact Your Bank – Inform your bank about the unauthorized transaction and request to block your account or card if necessary.
• Change Your Banking Credentials – Reset your internet banking passwords, UPI PIN, and other financial security measures to prevent further unauthorized access.
• Report the Incident – File a complaint with cybercrime authorities, such as India’s Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or the Cyber Crime Portal.
• Monitor Your Bank Statements – Keep a close watch on your financial transactions to detect any additional fraudulent activities.

The Call Merging Scam is a clever and deceptive tactic that leverages smartphone features to defraud unsuspecting individuals. As scammers continue to develop new techniques, staying informed and adopting preventive measures is the best defense. By being cautious, verifying caller identities, and never sharing sensitive information over the phone, you can safeguard yourself against this and other forms of financial fraud.

If you encounter any suspicious calls, report them immediately and help spread awareness to protect others from falling victim to this scam.

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