Nowadays, a small OTP message on mobile can wipe out your entire bank balance. Thugs have become very clever now. They call pretending to be delivery boys, bank officials, Amazon, Paytm or government officials.

They scare or lure you and ask for OTP. As soon as you give the OTP, your money is transferred secretly. This OTP Scam is spreading rapidly across the country.

How does the scam work?

The fraudster says: ‘Sir, money is being deducted from your account by mistake, tell me the OTP so that we can stop it.’

‘Your order needs to be cancelled, verify OTP.’

‘OTP required for delivery.’

Sometimes they say that there is a problem with your account or the loan has been approved.

When you share OTP they transfer money through UPI or bank app.

Strict rules to keep your bank account completely safe

1. Never tell OTP to anyone

• Bank, delivery boy, police or any official never asks for OTP. If someone asks, immediately disconnect the call.

2. Reduce UPI limit

• Go to your bank app or UPI app (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm) and set the Daily Transaction Limit to ₹ 5,000 or ₹ 10,000.

3. Turn on biometric lock

• Make sure to install fingerprint or face lock in UPI and bank apps. Transaction can be stopped even without OTP.

Keep transaction alerts on

• Keep SMS and email alerts active. Information about every small transaction comes immediately.

Additional settings of the bank app

• Block Login on Unknown Devices
• Ask for additional OTP or confirmation for high value transactions
• Use Missed Call Banking or USSD (*99#) carefully

phone security

• Turn on two-step verification (2FA) everywhere
• Don’t install unknown apps
• always keep the phone locked

What to do if scammed?

1. Immediately call bank customer care and get the account blocked.
2. File complaint online at cybercrime.gov.in
3. Call 1930 helpline.
4. Submit a written complaint to the bank (good chances of getting the money back if reported within 48 hours)

OTP is the key to your security, never share it with anyone. With a little caution and activating the settings mentioned above, you can be almost 100% safe from online fraudsters. Explain these rules to the elders and children of your family.