ISLAMABAD: Mobile phone users are advised to remain vigilant against a rising scam where hackers apparently utilize secret call forwarding features that fraudsters use through basic dialing codes to steal private and financial details.
According to security analysts, the scheme, which has been described as a “call forwarding scam,” does not entail that victims provide passwords, OTPs, or download apps; rather, they dial certain USSD codes after being misled by hackers.
In several instances, fraudsters have been identified as pretending to be bankers, customer service representatives, or parcel delivery agents who deceive mobile users into entering certain codes in order to solve a critical issue.
Once the USSD codes are keyed in, scammers purportedly use them to activate call forwarding capabilities, which allows hackers to intercept the victim’s communication with their banks, friends, and contacts.
The codes that are used to initiate call forwarding scams may range from *21# to *401#.
Cybersecurity experts recommend verifying whether call forwarding is active or not by using network-specific codes like *#21# or *#62#. In case any unfamiliar number is displayed, it is recommended that the users turn off the facility right away.
In order to turn off all the call forwarding functions, the user may use code ##002#. This particular code is usually used for resetting all forwarding settings.
It is strictly advised to mobile phone users that they refrain from entering any unfamiliar codes on their phones as requested by the callers. Furthermore, users should never give their one-time-passwords or any other banking or personal information.
The authorities warn that users need to be wary of unsolicited calls, especially those making false promises or threats about some technical issue.
“Taking simple precautions could help prevent yourself from such kinds of scams,” say experts.
