Call Forwarding Code Scam
A caller asks you to dial a special code on your phone for a delivery or a refund. It forwards your calls and OTP voice calls to the scammer.
The caller sounds like a delivery agent, a bank helper or a support person. They ask you to dial a number starting with a star or hash to 'check' something, such as your delivery address or a refund. You do it because it takes five seconds. What you have really done is switch on call forwarding. Your calls, and the voice OTPs some services send by call, now ring on the scammer's phone instead.
How the scam works
The scammer first makes a contact that gives them a reason to ask for something simple. A common one is a delivery call: the courier cannot find your address and asks you to dial a code so the system can capture your location. Another is a bank support call saying a refund needs 'activation'. The request is short and sounds technical, and the caller stays on the line while you do it.
The pressure is the thin promise that it takes a few seconds and will fix a problem you are worried about, such as a missed delivery or a held refund. The caller may read the code out digit by digit. In some versions the code includes a number belonging to the scammer, so that calls to your phone get diverted to it.
The payoff comes later. Services that confirm identity by a call, including some voice OTP options, now ring the scammer. They use your number to reset accounts and to pose as you with your contacts, asking family for money. You may not receive calls and think nothing of it, until a friend says they called and someone else answered.
An example of what you may see
Example call (invented): 'Sir, I am the delivery agent. I cannot find your address. Please dial star star 21 star and the number I give you, then press call, so the system can capture your location. It will take five seconds. Dial it now and tell me what message appears.' Any call that asks you to dial a code is suspicious. Delivery agents do not need you to dial codes to locate a house.
This example is written for illustration. Real messages change their wording, names and links all the time.
Red flags
- A caller asks you to dial a code starting with star or hash.
- The code includes a mobile number you do not know.
- They stay on the line while you dial.
- They say it will only take a few seconds.
- They ask what message appears on your screen.
- Friends say your phone is busy or answered by someone else.
What to do right now
- Do not dial codes read out by a caller.
- To check forwarding, open your phone's call settings and look for call forwarding.
- Turn off all forwarding you did not set up.
- Tell your operator through its official app if forwarding keeps returning.
- Warn family not to dial codes for anyone.
If you already paid or shared a code
- Turn off call forwarding in settings straight away.
- Call 1930 if any money moved or an account was accessed.
- Change passwords for email and banking from a clean device.
- File a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in with the time and number of the call.
National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930. Report online at cybercrime.gov.in. Do it fast: the sooner your bank is told, the better the chance that money can be held.
Where this scam shows up
Read how it looks on each channel:
How Safeavio helps
Safeavio Sentinel's scam check reads text you paste, including a note of what a caller asked, and flags pressure to dial codes or share OTPs. The phone scan reviews risky settings and apps. It does not block calls or read your call forwarding by itself, so check that in your phone's own call settings. It cannot see what the caller did, so act quickly in settings and with your bank.
Check it before you tap or pay
Safeavio Sentinel is a made-in-India Android app: paste a message or link, or scan a QR code, and get a plain verdict with the reasons. It helps you spot a scam; it does not promise to stop every one.
Download for AndroidWhat the app does
Google Play listing: coming soon. Today the signed APK is on safeavio.com/download. Android 7.0 or later.
Questions people ask
How do I turn off call forwarding?
Open the phone app, go to its settings and find call forwarding or supplementary services. Switch off all forwarding you did not set up. Menus differ by phone, so search settings for the word forwarding. When unsure, ask someone you trust first.
Why would a delivery agent ask me to dial a code?
A genuine agent does not. Codes starting with a star or hash change phone settings. A caller asking you to dial one is trying to divert your calls or capture something. Refuse and end the call. Use only official apps and sites you open yourself.
How can I tell if my calls are being diverted?
Friends may say your phone is busy or that someone else answers. Check forwarding in call settings. Some phones show a forwarding icon. If you are unsure, restart and review the setting. Keep screenshots in case you decide to report it.