Hyderabad: 13 January, Posted at 3:09 PM IST
Hyderabad police have issued a public advisory warning citizens about the growing threat of One-Time Password (OTP) frauds that are causing significant financial losses. Cybercriminals are increasingly using deceptive calls, messages, and fake websites to trick people into sharing sensitive OTP information.
According to the advisory, fraudsters impersonate bank officials, customer care executives, delivery agents, or loan providers. Once an OTP is shared, criminals gain unauthorized access to bank accounts, credit cards, UPI apps, digital wallets, and personal data.
One common method involves fake bank or KYC update calls, where victims are told their accounts will be blocked unless an OTP is provided. Another popular scam includes online shopping refunds or cashback offers, where fraudsters request OTPs under the guise of processing refunds.
Authorities have also flagged the rise of fake customer care numbers found through online searches. Victims unknowingly contact fraudsters who ask for OTPs to “verify” or “reverse” transactions. Job and instant loan scams are also being used to lure victims into sharing OTPs.
UPI-related frauds remain a serious concern. Scammers often claim they are sending money but instead issue a “Collect Request,” which, when approved, debits funds from the victim’s account. SIM swap frauds and e-commerce return scams have further increased risks.
The advisory strongly emphasizes that no bank, government agency, or legitimate service provider ever asks for OTPs. Citizens are advised to verify customer care numbers only through official websites and apps, avoid sharing OTP screenshots, and enable SIM locks, device locks, and transaction alerts.
In case of suspected fraud, citizens should immediately contact the National Cybercrime Helpline at 1930 or report online through cybercrime.gov.in.
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