Zerodha, a prominent financial services company, recently issued a warning on X (formerly Twitter) about a growing scam that exploits people’s kindness. The scam begins with a stranger requesting to borrow your phone under the guise of an emergency. What seems like a harmless act of generosity can lead to serious financial damage.
How the Scam Works
Known as the “Quick Call Trap,” this scam involves scammers using your phone to access sensitive information or perform unauthorized transactions. Once you hand over your phone, they may:
- Install suspicious apps.
- Access payment apps like GPay or Paytm.
- Forward calls and messages to their number.
Victims often remain unaware of tampering until the scammers intercept OTPs, passwords, or other personal information to drain their bank accounts or change app credentials.
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Why People Fall for It
The scam targets unsuspecting individuals, especially those less comfortable with technology, who are more likely to trust strangers in apparent emergencies. By exploiting their goodwill, scammers gain easy access to valuable data.
Tips to Stay Safe from Quick Call Trap Scams
To protect yourself from falling victim to such scams, follow these precautions:
- Never Hand Over Your Phone: Politely refuse and offer to make the call yourself, keeping the phone on speaker for them to talk.
- Check Phone Settings Regularly: Ensure that call forwarding is disabled and there are no suspicious changes.
- Never Share OTPs: Keep OTPs confidential and avoid sharing them with anyone.
Zerodha’s Message to the Public
Zerodha’s post, accompanied by a detailed video, highlights common scam tactics and preventive measures. By sharing this information, the company aims to raise awareness and safeguard people from financial harm.
Stay alert, remain cautious, and always prioritize your security to prevent falling victim to such scams.
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