New Scam Hits Mobile Users: No Clicks Needed, Tips to Stay Safe

Speedy Summary:

• Union Minister Chirag Paswan has reportedly received a death threat ahead of the Bihar Assembly polls.
• Details regarding the origin or motives behind the threat are unclear at this stage.

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Indian Opinion Analysis:

Death threats against prominent political figures like chirag Paswan raise serious concerns about security during election periods in India. Such incidents underline the importance of maintaining vigilance and ensuring robust protection for individuals holding public office, especially in high-stakes environments like state assembly elections.While specifics surrounding this particular threat are yet to emerge, it reflects broader challenges tied to safety and political tensions during such pivotal moments.Quick Summary:

• A new scam is targeting mobile phone users in India and does not require victims to click on suspicious links.
• Fraudsters are using methods to redirect crucial calls and OTPs meant for the victim directly to their network, posing serious risks for online financial transactions.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
The emergence of such scams highlights vulnerabilities in telecommunication systems and emphasizes the need for robust user awareness. While this scam bypasses customary phishing tactics, individuals must remain vigilant about unusual call-forwarding requests or suspicious behavior regarding their accounts.Strengthening technological safeguards while fostering collaboration between telecom companies and law enforcement agencies can help mitigate such threats effectively. This issue serves as a reminder of evolving cybersecurity challenges in India’s digital ecosystem.

Read more: New scam targets mobile phone users, doesn’t require any clicks, here’s how you can avoid it

Quick Summary:

• A new scam called “call forwarding scam” is targeting mobile phone users without requiring them to click on suspicious links.
• Fraudsters trick victims into dialing special codes during fake calls, enabling unconditional call forwarding of calls and OTPs to scammers.
• The mechanism allows scammers to intercept critical data such as OTPs for financial transactions.
• Victims often notice unusual activity but find no malware on their devices; AI tools identify activated call forwarding in phone settings.

Prevention Steps:

1. Avoid dialing codes shared by unknown callers; verify them with official sources.
2. Opt for app-based two-factor authentication (2FA) rather of SMS OTPs, which are more prone to interception.
3. Report suspicious activity through cybercrime helplines like 1930 or the portal: cybercrime.gov.in.
4. Regularly check for unauthorized call-forwarding using the code ##002#,which disables any active settings.

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Indian Opinion Analysis:

The emergence of the call forwarding scam highlights evolving tactics used by cybercriminals in India, reflecting an urgent need for awareness about digital safety practices among mobile users. Scammers exploiting telephone networks rather than traditional phishing methods underscore vulnerabilities that can be mitigated only by proactive user behavior and enhanced telecommunications security measures.The steps outlined-utilization of more secure two-factor authentication systems and periodic checks for unauthorized phone settings-are practical yet demand greater public education efforts by telecom providers, banks, and enforcement agencies. Moreover, platforms like the national helpline (1930) and Cyber Crime Portal must ensure speedy resolution mechanisms once reports are filed.

This development not only calls attention to individual vigilance but also urges policy-level interventions around digital hygiene norms in a connected society where technologies continually advance alongside malicious schemes aiming to manipulate them.