{"id":10140,"date":"2025-04-29T12:12:57","date_gmt":"2025-04-29T12:12:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/navia.co.in\/blog\/?p=10140"},"modified":"2025-08-11T06:49:31","modified_gmt":"2025-08-11T06:49:31","slug":"safeguard-yourself-against-merge-call-scams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navia.co.in\/blog\/safeguard-yourself-against-merge-call-scams\/","title":{"rendered":"Be Alert: Safeguard Yourself Against Merge Call Scams"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#what-is-a-merge-call-fraud\">What is a Merge Call Fraud?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#how-does-a-merge-call-fraud-happen\">How does a Merge Call Fraud Happen?\u00a0<\/a><ul><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#how-to-stay-safe\">How to stay safe?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#how-to-report-fraud\">How to Report Fraud?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The rise of digital communication faces many scams, fraudsters constantly develop new ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One of their tactics is Merge Call Fraud, where scammers trick the customer into joining a call that will lead to unauthorized access or financial loss. In this blog, we explain to you about this scam and the steps you can take to stay protected.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe class=\"custom-video\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Fr49sPVGL9o?si=QTpMMkhMHRwbmBrx\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2444ddff75ab806d2aab03bd3e69ab3c\" id=\"what-is-a-merge-call-fraud\" style=\"color:#023368\"><strong>What is a Merge Call Fraud?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Merge Call Fraud is a type of scam where fraudsters trick the customers by merging their calls allowing them to bypass security measures (OTP verification or voice authentication, etc.).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/navia.co.in\/app.html\" style=\"background-color:#ec4d37\"><strong>Get Navia APP<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5676bd163ac32cd5cc4ed2b69f1cacf6\" id=\"how-does-a-merge-call-fraud-happen\" style=\"color:#023368\"><strong>How does a Merge Call Fraud Happen?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-41fc1ffb5bc3d32ea75cb1aa4df6652d\" id=\"fraudster-initiated-a-call\" style=\"color:#ec4d37\"><strong>The fraudster initiated a call;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As we said the scam begins with a phone call from a fraudster to the victim, they obtained their number from a mutual friend or relative of the victim. They gain trust by referring to job offers, the sale or renting of property, the purchase of a new gadget or vehicle, etc.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-339f7143164286d61800c52612d348b6\" id=\"tricking-the-victim-into-merging-calls\" style=\"color:#ec4d37\"><strong>Tricking the victim into merging calls;&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The fraudster persuades the victim to merge the call with another incoming call, claiming it\u2019s from a mutual friend or relative.&nbsp;And they&nbsp;believe that the call is from their friend\/relative.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0086005ddebe712e948de77fec1469ff\" id=\"interception-the-otp\" style=\"color:#ec4d37\"><strong>Interception of the OTP;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The merged call is an authorized OTP verification call from the victim\u2019s bank.&nbsp;The fraudster triggers an OTP request by initiating a transaction\/service (eg., for account access, UPI transactions, or SMS swap). The timing is carefully planned so that when the bank\u2019s automated system requests the OTP, the victim\u2019s phone automatically reads it aloud during the merged call.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7092b2fe3252973d69c36c56137d0480\" id=\"fraudster-hears-the-otp\" style=\"color:#ec4d37\"><strong>Fraudster hears the OTP;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the call is already merged, the fraudster can hear the OTP. With the OTP in hand, the fraudster carries out unauthorized transactions, resulting in financial losses in the victim\u2019s account.&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/open.navia.co.in\/index-navia.php\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"149\" src=\"https:\/\/navia.co.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/OPEN-DEMAT-ACC.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9412\" srcset=\"https:\/\/navia.co.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/OPEN-DEMAT-ACC.png 1024w, https:\/\/navia.co.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/OPEN-DEMAT-ACC-300x44.png 300w, https:\/\/navia.co.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/OPEN-DEMAT-ACC-150x22.png 150w, https:\/\/navia.co.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/OPEN-DEMAT-ACC-768x112.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-88d3e6d12e3219f6a1a6f8c450372080\" id=\"how-to-stay-safe\" style=\"color:#023368\"><strong>How to stay safe?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udd38 Ignore Unsolicited Calls: If you receive these types of calls, avoid engaging with the caller and disconnect the call immediately. Always remember never to merge calls with unknown numbers.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udd38 Verify Official Contacts: Verify these calls by contacting your friend\/relative who the fraudster claims to get your contact from.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udd38 Enable Smart Lock: Lock your cards, Internet Banking, and UPI transactions.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udd38 Never Share OTPs or PINs: Remember that banks never ask for OTPs or PINs over calls or messages. Enable multi-factor authentication on accounts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udd38 Never share your personal information, such as your Credit Card number or UPI PIN, with anyone.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udd38 Do not trust a call or an e-mail that asks for your personal information.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udd38 Have a strong and unique password, that includes upper-case, lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udd38 Always read communication sent by banks or financial institutions with fraud-related information.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udd38 If you receive a call or an e-mail asking for bank details for KYC\/ReKYC or any other purpose, immediately visit the nearest Branch or call your Relationship Manager for assistance.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-73765edc9fa344ac7d8c219780804e68\" id=\"how-to-report-fraud\" style=\"color:#023368\"><strong>How to Report Fraud?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve been targeted, reach out to the National Cyber Crime Helpline at<a href=\"https:\/\/cybercrime.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> cybercrime.gov.in<\/a> or call 1930 for immediate assistance. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Staying informed and alert is the first stage of defending Merge Call Fraud. Keep in mind that always verify unknown numbers, avoid sharing personal information, and report suspicious activity immediately. Together we stay safe from fraudsters!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stay updated on the latest fraud trends and learn how to safeguard yourself. Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/navia.co.in\/\">Navia<\/a> today for more tips and stay one step ahead of fraudsters!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Do You Find This Interesting?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ad2f72ca wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p>We\u2019d Love to Hear from you-<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/form.typeform.com\/to\/bpQ8ZlDc\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"64\" src=\"https:\/\/navia.co.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Yes-No-Button-1.png\" alt=\"feedback yes or no button\" class=\"wp-image-8901\" srcset=\"https:\/\/navia.co.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Yes-No-Button-1.png 300w, https:\/\/navia.co.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Yes-No-Button-1-150x32.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>DISCLAIMER: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing. The securities quoted are exemplary and are not recommendatory. Brokerage will not exceed the SEBI prescribed limit.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The rise of digital communication faces many scams, fraudsters constantly develop new ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One of their tactics is Merge Call Fraud, where scammers trick the customer into joining a call that will lead to unauthorized access or financial loss. In this blog, we explain to you about this scam and the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10145,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[250],"tags":[538,539],"class_list":["post-10140","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog-category","tag-be-alert","tag-merge-call-scams"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/navia.co.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-04-29-at-15.04.35-2.jpeg","author_info":{"display_name":"Navia Markets","author_link":"https:\/\/navia.co.in\/blog\/author\/tradeplusonline\/"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/navia.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10140","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/navia.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/navia.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/navia.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/navia.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10140"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/navia.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10140\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12195,"href":"https:\/\/navia.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10140\/revisions\/12195"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/navia.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10145"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/navia.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10140"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/navia.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10140"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/navia.co.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10140"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}