A new and alarming scam has emerged, known as the Call Merging Scam. This fraudulent technique is catching many off guard and has the potential to empty your bank account within seconds.
The scam begins with a call from an unknown number. The caller pretends that a friend of yours referred them and says they need to speak to you about something important. While you're still trying to understand what's going on, you receive another missed call.
The person on the line then informs you that your friend is also trying to reach you and suggests you merge the calls to have a joint conversation.
It may seem like a casual and harmless request, but this is where the danger lies. As soon as you merge the call, the line disconnects within seconds. Behind the scenes, the scammer has already initiated a financial transaction using your digital banking or wallet credentials. They've cleverly opted to receive the OTP (One-Time Password) via voice call. Since your call is now merged, the OTP that is read aloud by your mobile provider is heard by the scammer. That single OTP is all they need to complete the transaction and steal your money.
This scam is not a random attack — it’s carefully planned. The fraudster prepares in advance, collects your basic banking or wallet information, and times the transaction perfectly to coincide with the merged call. The moment they hear the OTP, the money is gone.
To protect yourself, avoid answering calls from unknown numbers, especially if you use digital payment apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, or any form of mobile banking. Never merge calls unless you're absolutely sure of the people involved. Most importantly, never allow OTPs to be spoken aloud over a call — knowingly or unknowingly.
What may seem like a simple phone call could cost you dearly. Stay cautious and informed to avoid falling victim to this clever but dangerous scam.
