What is Missed Call OTP Forwarding Scam?

Dangerous: Missed Call OTP Forwarding Scam is a confirmed scam in India. Learn how missed call OTP forwarding scams work in India. Recognize USSD code tricks, protect your phone, and report cybercrime. Call 1930 for help.

How does Missed Call OTP Forwarding Scam work?

Step 1: Scammers call victims impersonating delivery agents, telecom providers, or tech support claiming parcel delivery issues or address confirmation Step 2: They build trust with fake details and urgently request victim to dial USSD codes like *21* # to 'connect to supervisor' or 'enable delivery' Step 3: Victim unknowingly activates unconditional call forwarding by dialing the code, redirecting all incoming calls including bank OTPs to scammer's phone Step 4: Scammers receive OTPs and verification codes, use them to authorize fraudulent transactions, hack accounts, and transfer funds without victim's knowledge

How to protect yourself from Missed Call OTP Forwarding Scam?

Call 1930 immediately to report any suspected Missed Call OTP Forwarding Scam incidents. Avoid dialing any USSD codes received from unsolicited or unknown callers, especially numbers starting with *21*, *401*, *61*, or *67*. Contact your mobile service provider to check and disable any unauthorized call forwarding on your phone. Review your bank and UPI transaction history regularly for any unauthorized payments and inform your bank immediately if found.

Missed Call OTP Forwarding Scam

मिस्ड कॉल ओटीपी फॉरवर्डिंग स्कैम

INDIA — By BharatSecure Threat Intelligence Team · Updated Apr 20, 2026

Verdict: Dangerous | Risk Score: 9/10 | Severity: MEDIUM

Category: Phishing

How Missed Call OTP Forwarding Scam Works

Step 1: Scammers call victims impersonating delivery agents, telecom providers, or tech support claiming parcel delivery issues or address confirmation
Step 2: They build trust with fake details and urgently request victim to dial USSD codes like *21*<fraudster's number># to 'connect to supervisor' or 'enable delivery'
Step 3: Victim unknowingly activates unconditional call forwarding by dialing the code, redirecting all incoming calls including bank OTPs to scammer's phone
Step 4: Scammers receive OTPs and verification codes, use them to authorize fraudulent transactions, hack accounts, and transfer funds without victim's knowledge

How This Scam Works — Detailed Explanation

The Missed Call OTP Forwarding Scam is a sophisticated phishing attack widely reported across India, targeting mobile users who rely on OTPs (One Time Passwords) for securing their UPI payments, Aadhaar-related activities, and banking transactions. Scammers usually initiate contact by making an unsolicited call or sometimes sending a fake SMS, claiming that there is a problem with a parcel delivery or bank transaction linked to your phone number. They create a false sense of urgency, warning that unless you act immediately, your parcel will be returned or your account will be blocked.

Once the victim is engaged, the scammer instructs them to dial specific USSD codes such as *21*, *401*, *61*, or *67* under the pretext of confirming delivery or verifying identity. These USSD codes are not random; they actually enable call forwarding settings on the phone without the user fully realizing it. By dialing these codes, the victim unwittingly forwards their incoming OTP calls to the scammer's number. Since many Indians use mobile banking apps, UPI for payments, and authenticate operations with OTPs sent by banks or services like Aadhaar-linked services, this hacked call forwarding lets scammers intercept these critical security messages.

Victims usually find out only after noticing unauthorized banking transactions, UPI payments from their account, or missed OTP calls which never arrive. The scammers use the intercepted OTPs to confirm fraudulent transactions or steal personal information linked to WhatsApp and other apps. Some victims may be asked to change their mobile settings or share personal details under false pretenses. The scam avoids detection by not involving any official app or website, relying entirely on exploiting the phone’s call forwarding features and user confusion.

Because these scammers operate without leaving obvious digital traces like fake websites or direct OTP requests, many users fail to recognize the scam until financial damage is done. Reporting such incidents to cybercrime cells and using government helpline numbers like 1930 can help stop the attackers. Understanding these tactics and being alert to suspicious calls or USSD code prompts is crucial for protecting your money and personal data in India’s rapidly growing digital economy.

Who Does Missed Call OTP Forwarding Scam Target?

General public across urban and semi-urban India, particularly elderly and less tech-savvy users who frequently receive online deliveries

Red Flags — How to Identify Missed Call OTP Forwarding Scam

Unsolicited calls claiming urgent delivery issues asking to dial USSD codes like *21*, *401*, *61*, or *67*
Immediate pressure to act without verification (dial now or parcel returns)
Requests to change phone settings or forward calls to unknown numbers
No official app/website verification, avoiding legitimate channels
Sudden unauthorized transactions or missed bank OTP calls after dialing codes

What To Do If You Encounter Missed Call OTP Forwarding Scam

Call 1930 immediately to report any suspected Missed Call OTP Forwarding Scam incidents.
Avoid dialing any USSD codes received from unsolicited or unknown callers, especially numbers starting with *21*, *401*, *61*, or *67*.
Contact your mobile service provider to check and disable any unauthorized call forwarding on your phone.
Review your bank and UPI transaction history regularly for any unauthorized payments and inform your bank immediately if found.
Use official channels like bank apps or government websites to verify delivery or payment issues instead of trusting unknown calls.

How to Report Missed Call OTP Forwarding Scam in India

Call 1930 — National Cyber Crime Helpline (24x7)
File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in
Contact your bank immediately if money was lost
Call RBI helpline: 14440 for banking fraud

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Missed Call OTP Forwarding Scam?: Dangerous: Missed Call OTP Forwarding Scam is a confirmed scam in India. Learn how missed call OTP forwarding scams work in India. Recognize USSD code tricks, protect your phone, and report cybercrime. Call 1930 for help.
How does Missed Call OTP Forwarding Scam work?: Step 1: Scammers call victims impersonating delivery agents, telecom providers, or tech support claiming parcel delivery issues or address confirmation Step 2: They build trust with fake details and urgently request victim to dial USSD codes like *21*<fraudster's number># to 'connect to supervisor' or 'enable delivery' Step 3: Victim unknowingly activates unconditional call forwarding by dialing the code, redirecting all incoming calls including bank OTPs to scammer's phone Step 4: Scammers receive OTPs and verification codes, use them to authorize fraudulent transactions, hack accounts, and transfer funds without victim's knowledge
How to protect yourself from Missed Call OTP Forwarding Scam?: Call 1930 immediately to report any suspected Missed Call OTP Forwarding Scam incidents. Avoid dialing any USSD codes received from unsolicited or unknown callers, especially numbers starting with *21*, *401*, *61*, or *67*. Contact your mobile service provider to check and disable any unauthorized call forwarding on your phone. Review your bank and UPI transaction history regularly for any unauthorized payments and inform your bank immediately if found.
How to report Missed Call OTP Forwarding Scam in India?: Report to cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 (National Cyber Crime Helpline). You can also contact your local police station's cyber cell.

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