Merge Calls & Lose Everything – Cyber scammers invent new tricks daily to cheat people. Call Merge Fraud is one such emerging method. Here, fraudsters cleverly merge calls to listen to the Voice OTP arriving on your phone. This gives them access to everything—from bank accounts to social media profiles. What seems like a simple call can empty your bank balance in minutes.
In today’s Cyber Literacy column, we explain the Call Merge Scam in detail, including:
- Why scammers merge calls
- How to protect yourself
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What is Call Merge Fraud?
Call Merge Fraud is a new cyber scam technique. The scammer poses as a friend or relative to gain your trust. They claim your mutual friend gave them your number for an urgent discussion.
During the conversation, the fraudster says they are your friend and suggests merging the call so all three can talk. In reality, this “third call” is a Voice OTP from your bank or app. Once merged, the scammer hears the OTP, completes transactions, and drains your account.
How Scammers Execute Call Merge Scam (5 Steps)
- Build Trust: Scammers call pretending to be a known contact or say a common friend shared your number.
- Create Urgency: They invent emergencies (job offer, money help, family issue) to rush you.
- Trigger OTP: Behind the scenes, they initiate a transaction (UPI, banking, login) that sends a Voice OTP to your phone.
- Request Merge: They ask you to merge the incoming call (the OTP call) with the ongoing fraud call.
- Steal OTP & Money: The merged call lets them hear the OTP aloud; they use it instantly to transfer funds.
Why is Voice OTP So Common?
Voice OTP calls are widely used in banking, e-commerce, and healthcare for secure authentication—especially when SMS fails due to poor network. Scammers exploit this trusted system.
Why This Scam is Dangerous
- Trust-Based: Relies on emotional manipulation.
- Built-in Phone Feature: Call merging exists on every smartphone.
- Looks Legitimate: Voice OTP calls appear as normal incoming calls.
- Targets Vulnerable: Job seekers, or anyone in distress fall easily.
Prevention through awareness is the best defence.
What to Do If You Accidentally Merge & Leak OTP?
Act within minutes:
- Call Bank Helpline Immediately – Inform them OTP was shared accidentally; request transaction freeze/card block.
- Change Passwords & UPI PIN – Log out from Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc., and reset credentials.
- Uninstall Suspicious Apps/Links – Delete anything the scammer made you install.
- Report to Cyber Cell – File complaint at nearest police station or online at www.cybercrime.gov.in.
- Secure All Accounts – Check login settings, recovery emails/numbers, enable 2FA everywhere.
- Never Merge Unknown Calls Again – Always end current call before accepting new one.
8 Precautions to Avoid Call Merge Scam
- Never merge calls with unknown numbers – End the ongoing call first.
- Never share OTP – Banks never ask for OTP.
- Verify caller identity – Call back your friend on saved number.
- Disable auto-call merge (if option exists in phone settings).
- Use app-based OTP – Prefer SMS/app authenticator over voice.
- Enable transaction limits – Set daily UPI/bank transfer caps.
- Educate family – Especially everyone in simple language.
- Report suspicious calls – Dial 1930 (Cyber Helpline) or use Sancharsaathi.gov.in.
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FAQ: Call Merge Scam
Withdraw money, access UPI, shop online, hack social media, or take device control.
No. They may hack accounts silently for later fraud. Change all passwords, alert bank, reset phone.
Never. No bank, RBI, or government agency asks to merge calls or share OTP.
Yes. Cyber Cells, I4C, Cyber Dost, 1930 Helpline, and Sancharsaathi spread alerts via TV, radio, posters, and social media.
Yes. Call merge is mainly available on smartphones. Basic phones have limited access.
Merging not possible yet, but scammers use WhatsApp to send phishing links or overhear OTP during voice chats. Stay alert on all platforms.
Explain in simple terms: “Never say OTP on call.” Set call-merge limits, show awareness videos, manage their banking, secure OTP with PIN lock.
