Rajasthan police have cautioned the public about a rise in cyber fraud cases where individuals are tricked into handing over their phones for urgent calls, only to fall victim to scams. The Cyber Crime Branch, following the DGP’s directives, issued an advisory highlighting the tactics used by fraudsters to exploit unsuspecting people. DIG Shantanu Kumar Singh mentioned that criminals target places like bus stands, railway stations, and tourist spots to approach individuals under false pretenses.
The fraudsters swiftly execute their plans once they have the phone, potentially gaining access to sensitive personal data or emptying bank accounts. One alarming technique mentioned is the ‘Call Forwarding Scam,’ where fraudsters divert OTPs to their own number by dialing a specific code from the victim’s phone. This enables them to access bank accounts, social media profiles, and messaging apps easily. In some instances, criminals install spyware to track all activities, including passwords and private chats, posing a serious threat to victims’ security.
Moreover, criminals can exploit stolen contact lists to fabricate emergencies and extort money from victims’ relatives. Rajasthan police emphasized the importance of helping others cautiously, advising individuals to keep their phones in hand, dial numbers themselves, and use speaker mode for strangers. If a phone is accidentally handed over, individuals are urged to check for call forwarding by dialing *#21#, disable it with ##002#, and secure payment apps with separate PINs or biometric locks.
