Silent Call Forwarding Scam: How It Works and How to Protect Yourself

Imagine a scam so subtle, you don’t even have to click a link to become a victim. That’s the scary reality of the latest call forwarding scam hitting users. This deceptive tactic tricks individuals into unknowingly forwarding their calls, giving scammers access to sensitive information like one-time passwords (OTPs) and ultimately, their identities.

How the Call Forwarding Scam Works

This scam doesn’t rely on phishing links or suspicious downloads. Instead, scammers manipulate users into dialing specific codes that activate call forwarding on their phones. This redirects incoming calls, including those from banks and other secure services, directly to the criminals. Because there’s no visible sign that the call has been diverted, victims remain completely unaware.

The Dangers of Unseen Redirection

This silent redirection allows scammers to intercept crucial information, such as two-factor authentication codes (OTPs) sent via phone call. Armed with these codes, they can bypass security measures, access online accounts, and potentially commit identity theft. The scam’s stealthy nature makes it particularly dangerous, as users often have no idea they’ve been compromised until it’s too late.