Cyber Alert: Call Forwarding Scam Targets Mobile Users, Fraudsters Pose as Delivery Agents

What happened: A new call forwarding scam is spreading rapidly, with fraudsters impersonating delivery agents to trap mobile users.

Why it matters now: Rising dependence on mobile banking, UPI, and OTP-based services has made this scam especially dangerous.

What changes for people: A single wrong step can give scammers complete access to calls, OTPs, and bank alerts.

Who is affected: Smartphone users across India, especially those unfamiliar with call settings and cyber fraud tactics.

A silent scam hiding inside your phone settings

Cyber experts are warning mobile users about a call forwarding-based fraud that is quietly draining bank accounts without triggering immediate suspicion. In this scam, criminals call victims pretending to be courier or delivery executives, claiming a parcel cannot be delivered due to technical issues.

What follows is a carefully crafted trap that exploits lack of cyber literacy rather than hacking software.

How the scam works step by step

Cyber security specialists explain that the fraud usually unfolds like this:

The victim receives a call from someone claiming to be a delivery agent.

The caller says confirmation is needed and asks the user to dial a code starting with * or #.

That code secretly activates call forwarding on the victim’s phone.

Once enabled, all incoming calls, including bank OTPs, get diverted to the scammer’s number.

From that moment, fraudsters can reset passwords, approve transactions, and empty accounts without the victim noticing immediately.

Why this fraud is especially dangerous

Unlike phishing links or fake apps, this scam:

Uses built-in phone features

Leaves no visible malware

Works even on basic smartphones

Can bypass two-factor authentication

Cyber officials underline that OTP theft through call diversion is extremely hard to detect in real time.

What cyber experts and officials advise

Cyber crime cells and digital safety experts have issued clear warnings:

Never dial unknown codes shared over calls or messages

No courier company or bank asks users to change call settings

Regularly check phone settings for unexpected call forwarding

If suspected, contact your bank immediately and report to cyber police

Users are advised to file complaints via the official cyber crime reporting system as soon as suspicious activity is detected.

The larger cyber safety concern

With mobile phones now central to banking, payments, identity verification, and personal data, experts say scams are shifting from technical hacks to psychological manipulation.

Authorities stress that cyber awareness is now as important as antivirus software, especially for first-time digital users.