New USSD Scam Raises Fresh Cybercrime Concerns
Cybercrime authorities have issued a fresh warning about a USSD scam that is silently putting mobile phone users at risk. Unlike common online frauds that rely on fake links or malicious apps, this scam does not require internet access. Instead, it abuses standard telecom features that exist on almost every mobile phone, making it harder for users to recognise the threat before financial damage occurs.
Officials say the scam is spreading quickly because it appears harmless and uses legitimate mobile network functions, which most users trust.
How Fraudsters Are Tricking Mobile Users
The scam begins with a phone call or message from someone posing as a delivery or courier agent. The caller usually claims there is a problem with a parcel, address verification, or pending delivery. To resolve the issue, the victim is asked to dial a short numeric code while still on the call.
These codes are USSD commands, commonly used for checking balances or network services. However, the specific codes shared by scammers often begin with prefixes such as 21, 61, or 67 and are designed to activate call forwarding without the user fully understanding what is happening.
How Call Forwarding Is Misused in the USSD Scam
Once the USSD code is dialled, call forwarding is automatically enabled on the victim’s phone. This redirects all incoming calls to a number controlled by the scammer. As a result, verification calls from banks, UPI platforms, and digital services are silently diverted. This allows fraudsters to receive one-time passwords and authentication calls, which are often used to approve transactions or reset account credentials. Because the victim continues to use the phone normally, the fraud can go unnoticed for a long time.
Why This Scam Is Difficult to Detect
Cybercrime officials warn that this USSD scam is particularly dangerous because it does not trigger typical security alerts. Since no suspicious links, apps, or downloads are involved, users do not receive warning messages. Security software may also fail to detect the misuse, as USSD commands are a legitimate telecom function.
Many victims realize something is wrong only after money is withdrawn from their bank accounts or when they lose access to messaging apps such as WhatsApp.
Who Is Most at Risk
Authorities say the USSD scam targets a wide range of mobile phone users, cutting across age groups and device types. Individuals using basic feature phones are particularly vulnerable because these devices rely heavily on voice calls for banking and service verification and often lack advanced security warnings. At the same time, smartphone users are not immune, especially those who are unaware that simple USSD commands can alter call settings without visible alerts.
People who frequently receive delivery-related calls, including online shoppers and small business owners, are among the most affected. Scammers exploit urgency by claiming failed deliveries or address issues, pressuring victims to act quickly without verification. Senior citizens and first-time digital payment users are also at higher risk, as they may be less familiar with call-forwarding features.
The absence of internet usage further increases vulnerability, as victims assume their banking apps and data remain secure, making the fraud harder to suspect until financial damage occurs.
Official Advice to Stay Safe from USSD Fraud
Cybercrime experts have advised users to remain cautious when dealing with unknown callers. Users should never dial USSD codes shared by strangers and should independently verify delivery-related claims through official apps or websites.
If a user suspects that call forwarding has been activated without their consent, it can be disabled immediately by dialing ##002#, which cancels all call-forwarding settings.
What To Do If You Have Been Affected
In cases where users believe they have fallen victim to the scam, authorities recommend contacting the cybercrime helpline at 1930 and filing a report on www.cybercrime.gov.in. Informing banks and payment platforms at the earliest can help minimize losses.
Growing Need for Awareness
Experts warn that cyber fraud is evolving beyond internet-based attacks. As scammers exploit basic mobile features, awareness and caution are becoming the most effective safeguards. Understanding how USSD codes work and refusing to act on unsolicited instructions can prevent serious financial harm.
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