International Transaction Alert Scam over the phone

How it looks over the phone, the red flags and what to do.

A phone call lets the scammer talk fast, sound confident and keep you from thinking. The caller ID can be faked, so it proves nothing. International Transaction Alert Scam is one of the ways this shows up: A message says your card was used abroad for a large payment and gives a number to call. The 'dispute desk' asks for your OTP or card details.

What international transaction alert scam looks like over the phone

• A second "senior officer" who takes over the call.
• An unknown or international number, or a number that looks like a real office.
• A calm, official voice that already knows your name or the last digits of your card.

The scammer sends a message that looks like an alert from a bank, with a made-up amount in a foreign currency and a merchant name that sounds real. It does not use your name. It says that the transaction will be completed in a short time unless you call or reply. A number or link is given for the 'dispute team' to stop it.

Red flags to check on the phone call

• An SMS about a foreign payment gives a number to call.
• The alert does not use your name or last card digits.
• The caller asks for card details and an OTP to 'cancel' it.
• You are told that hanging up lets the payment go through.
• The caller wants you to install an app to "fix" something.
• The caller asks for an OTP, UPI PIN, card PIN or CVV.

What to do

1. Do not call the number in the SMS.
2. Check recent transactions in your bank's official app.
3. Call your bank on the number on the back of your card if you are worried.
4. Call the bank or office on the number printed on your card, bill or official app, not on a number the caller gave.
5. Never share an OTP or PIN. No genuine staff member needs it.
6. If you already installed an app on the call, uninstall it and switch on airplane mode, then call your bank at once.

Report the number on the Sanchar Saathi portal (Chakshu facility). If money moved, call 1930 immediately.

If money or a code is already gone

1. Call your bank on the number on your card and block the card at once.
2. Call 1930 and give the transaction time and amount.
3. Uninstall any support app you installed and change banking passwords.
4. Report at https://cybercrime.gov.in with the SMS and call details.

National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930; report at cybercrime.gov.in.

Safeavio's scam check reviews the SMS you paste and shows reasons such as urgency, a money alarm and OTP asks, and Money Shield reminds you that no one needs your OTP to cancel a payment. It does not read your messages on its own and cannot tell whether a real charge exists, so check your bank's app and call the number on your card.

Full guide: International Transaction Alert Scam: how it works, signs and what to do. Other channels: SMS, email, WhatsApp.

Questions