Govt.: Never Dial *401# Followed by Unknown Number
The Department of Telecommunications warned citizens about malicious calls prompting them to dial *401# followed by an unknown number.
CORRECTION: Government announced the advisory in January 2024 and not January 2023.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communication of India has issued an official advisory on 11th January 2024 warning citizens to beware of receiving malicious incoming calls asking to dial *401# followed by an unknown mobile number. The official advisory stated “This activates unconditional call forwarding received on the mobile of citizens to the unknown mobile number. This allows fraudsters to receive all incoming calls and can be used for committing fraud.” According to the advisory statement, the fraudsters pretend to be a customer service representative or technical support staff from your telecom service provider. They then claim that there is a problem with your Sim card or some issue with the network or service quality and ask you to dial a specific code to fix the issue. This code usually starts with *(star)401#(hashtag) followed by a mobile number. Entering this code activates unconditional call forwarding on the mobile number they mentioned in the so-called ‘code’ and all incoming calls will automatically get forwarded to the fraudster’s mobile number. Once scammers get their victim’s incoming calls forwarded to their devices, they try to intercept the target’s bank accounts or messaging apps like WhatsApp. They also get access to voice OTPs (one-time passwords) of the victim. This personal and private information is then misused by fraudsters to commit scams, financial theft, identity theft, and even acts of sexual harassment. The telecom service providers never ask their subscribers to dial *401#. Check your mobile phone settings for call forwarding and disable immediately in case it is enabled. Use the facility only when it is required.”
The advisory also mentioned other preventive measures to avoid falling for such scams.
- Users can stay safe by ensuring they do not dial codes or respond to text messages sent by suspicious unknown numbers.
- They can also enhance their mobile security by using passcodes or biometric authentication methods.
- In case you answer these calls, never share important details like OTPs, bank account number or home address with random callers.
- Beware of clicking on messages sent from suspicious numbers as it might give scammers access to your phone.
- If you are doubtful about the identity of your caller claiming to be calling on behalf of your telecom operator or internet service provider (ISP), disconnect the call immediately. You can then contact your service provider through the official phone number on their website to verify the caller’s authenticity.
The government has issued this advisory warning after many major telecom operators including Reliance Jio & Airtel and caller identifying app Truecaller reported about the scam & its increasing numbers in October 2023.
