Call forwarding code

Call forwarding code is a dial code that sends your calls to another number. Scammers ask you to dial one so they can catch your OTP calls.

Call forwarding code: A call forwarding code is a short code starting with a star or hash that you dial to redirect your incoming calls to another number. Scammers trick you into dialling one, so that verification calls and some OTP calls meant for you reach them.

The caller poses as customer care, a delivery person or a bank agent, and says, "Please dial this code to resolve your complaint." It looks like a harmless set of digits. Once you press call, your calls are forwarded to the fraudster's number. Services that deliver OTPs by voice call, or that call to confirm a payment, now ring the scammer.

Never dial codes that a stranger gives you. If you did, open the phone settings, find Call forwarding and turn it off, or ask your operator through its official app. Also check that your messages and bank alerts are still reaching you. Changing banking passwords and reporting the number on Sanchar Saathi is wise. Doing this early limits how long the scammer can catch calls meant for you.

Tips

• Never dial a code or number string that a caller reads out to you.
• Check Call forwarding in your phone settings and turn it off if you did not set it.
• Report the caller on Sanchar Saathi.

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