Tech & apps
Call-forwarding code hijack (*401#) scam in India
*401# कॉल फॉरवर्डिंग धोखाधड़ी
How this scam works
A caller posing as your telecom operator asks you to dial a code like *401* followed by a number; this forwards your calls so they can grab WhatsApp and bank OTP calls.
हिंदी में सारांश
किसी के कहने पर * या # वाला कोड डायल न करें।
ठगी होने पर तुरंत 1930 पर कॉल करें या cybercrime.gov.in पर शिकायत दर्ज करें।
Warning signs
- Asked to dial a code starting with * or #
- Caller claims to be Jio/Airtel/Vi support
- WhatsApp logs out soon after
If you're targeted
- Don't pay, don't share OTPs or PINs, and don't install any app they suggest.
- If money was sent, call your bank and then 1930 within the first hour — quick reporting gives the best chance of freezing the money.
- File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in and keep screenshots and payment details as evidence.
India helplines · भारत हेल्पलाइन
- 1930National cyber fraud helpline (24×7) · साइबर फ्रॉड हेल्पलाइन
- 112Emergency / police · आपातकालीन सहायता
- 14448RBI complaint helpline (bank / UPI) · RBI शिकायत
- 1915National Consumer Helpline · उपभोक्ता हेल्पलाइन
- cybercrime.gov.inFile an online complaint · ऑनलाइन शिकायत
- ChakshuReport fraud calls/SMS · फर्जी कॉल की रिपोर्ट