Do Not Press 9! THIS financial scam can empty your bank account in one call

Upon pressing "9," users are connected to what appears to be a legitimate customer service representative.

Mayank Kasyap Last Updated : 04 May 2024, 02:27 PM IST

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New Delhi: Cybercriminals are devising ever-more sophisticated tactics to dupe unsuspecting users. FedEx, a leading courier company, has issued a strong warning about a phone scam targeting its customers.

What is the scam?

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Fraudsters are placing calls, claiming to be from FedEx, and informing the recipient that an illegal shipment has been flagged in their name. To "resolve" this fictitious issue, they instruct the victim to press "9" on their phone to connect with FedEx customer service. Here's where the real danger lies.

AI-powered deception

Upon pressing "9," users are connected to what appears to be a legitimate customer service representative. Hackers are leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to mimic the speech patterns and professionalism of real customer care executives, making it easier to entrap unsuspecting victims.

Beyond phone calls

The scammers' arsenal extends beyond phone calls. They also employ:

Fake Notifications & Urgent Messages: Deceptive messages with enticing offers or urgent warnings are sent to lure users into clicking malicious links. These links can install malware that grants hackers access to user devices and sensitive information, potentially leading to bank account depletion.
Call Spoofing & Voice Over IP: Hackers employ call spoofing to manipulate caller ID, making it appear as if the call originates from a legitimate source, such as a government agency or law enforcement. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology further enables them to mask their location, adding another layer of deceit.

How to protect yourself?

Stay Calm & Verify: Don't panic if you receive such a call. Listen carefully, but don't share any personal details. Independently verify the caller's information by contacting the official customer service channels of the supposedly calling entity (e.g., FedEx website or phone number).
Seek Help When Needed: If unsure, report the incident to the nearest police station.
App Security: Regularly update your apps to benefit from the latest security patches that address vulnerabilities exploited by malware.

By staying vigilant and following these steps, you can safeguard yourself from falling prey to these cunning scams.

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Do Not Press 9! THIS financial scam can empty your bank account in one call