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TogglePicture this: you are having a pleasant day when suddenly a stranger rushes towards you, visibly distressed. They implore, “Can I please borrow your phone? This is an emergency, and my phone has run out of battery!” It’s a normal, human reaction to want to assist someone in need—after all, how much harm can come from letting them place a brief call? However, this seemingly innocent act can open the door to potentially devastating financial repercussions. Scammers are adept at taking advantage of generosity by using borrowed phones to infiltrate sensitive information, including banking applications, one-time passwords (OTPs), and personal communications.
If you’d like to learn more about the mechanics of this scam and how to safeguard yourself, keep reading.
Once a scammer has access to your device, they can make covert alterations or install applications in mere moments. A prevalent method involves setting up call forwarding, allowing them to intercept your incoming calls and text messages. This tactic is particularly malicious as it enables them to gain access to OTPs sent by your bank, granting them entry into your financial accounts without your immediate awareness.
The insidious nature of this scam lies in its subtlety. Perpetrators often leave no marks, and by the time you start to notice any irregularities, they may have already siphoned off significant amounts from your bank account.
For further insights, you can read about a recent incident where a Delhi resident lost Rs 9 lakh to impersonators pretending to be electricity department officials.
Scammers typically seek out individuals who are preoccupied, in a hurry, or inexperienced with modern technology. Their stories often tug at your heartstrings—such as needing to contact a sick family member—prompting you to make hasty decisions without adequate consideration.
You can also explore a case where a Bengaluru software engineer lost Rs 1.2 crore in a courier scam to see how easily situations can escalate.