Never dial a code that a stranger reads out to you on a call, even if they sound polite and official. In a call forwarding scam, that code switches on call forwarding to the fraudster’s number, so calls meant for you, including OTP calls from banks and apps, ring on their phone instead.

This article explains how the trick works, why the caller usually pretends to be a delivery agent or telecom executive, and how to check and cancel call forwarding on your phone in a few minutes.

How the Call Forwarding Scam Works

The scam is simple, and that is why it works.

1. The setup call: Someone calls saying they are a courier agent with a parcel for you, or a Jio executive fixing a “network problem” or a “5G upgrade”.
2. The request: They ask you to dial a code to “confirm the delivery address”, “reschedule the parcel” or “activate the upgrade”. The code usually starts with * or # and includes a mobile number.
3. The switch: When you dial it, call forwarding to that mobile number is switched on. You may see a short message on the screen, which most people ignore.
4. The takeover: Now, when anyone calls your number, the call goes to the fraudster instead.

Why forwarded calls matter so much

Many services can read out an OTP through a voice call, or verify your number with an automated call. WhatsApp and other apps can also send a verification code by call. If your calls are forwarded, the fraudster can request these calls, hear the codes and take over your accounts.

They can also receive calls from your friends and relatives, pretend to be you, and ask them for money.

Codes You Should Be Careful About

Codes that change network settings are called service codes. They are useful, but they can be misused. On many networks, codes such as 401 or *21 followed by a mobile number switch on call forwarding. Exact codes vary by network and can change, so do not try to memorise them. Follow one simple rule instead.

Do not dial any code that contains someone else’s mobile number, and do not dial codes given to you by a caller.

How to Check and Cancel Call Forwarding

Check this now, even if you think you are safe. It takes less than two minutes.

On Android phones

1. Open the Phone (dialler) app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) and choose Settings.
3. Look for Calls, Calling accounts or Supplementary services, then select your Jio SIM.
4. Open Call forwarding and check each option: always forward, when busy, when unanswered and when unreachable.
5. If any option shows a number you do not recognise, turn it off or choose Disable.

Menu names differ by brand and Android version, so you may need to look around a little.

On iPhone

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Phone. On newer iOS versions, it may be under Apps > Phone.
3. Tap Call Forwarding and turn it off if it is on.

This screen may not show every type of forwarding, so call Jio support if you still have a doubt.

Using a cancel code

On many networks, dialling ##002# cancels all types of call forwarding. This code may not work on every network or phone, so confirm the result in your phone settings or by calling 199 from your Jio number.

What to Do If You Already Dialled a Code

Act quickly. The fraudster may already be requesting OTP calls.

1. Cancel forwarding using your phone settings, as shown above.
2. Call Jio support on 199 (queries) or 198 (complaints) from your Jio number, and ask them to confirm that no forwarding is active.
3. Call your bank’s official helpline and tell them your calls may have been diverted. Ask them to block or watch your accounts.
4. Check WhatsApp and other apps. If you are logged out of WhatsApp, register your number again and turn on two-step verification.
5. Warn close contacts that someone may call them pretending to be you.
6. Report the fraud on 1930 or at cybercrime.gov.in if money was lost, and report the caller’s number through Chakshu on the Sanchar Saathi portal.

Signs Your Calls May Be Forwarded

• You suddenly stop getting calls, but people say your phone rang or someone else answered.
• You see a forwarding icon or a “call forwarding active” message on your screen.
• You receive OTP SMS or login alerts you did not request.
• Friends say “you” called them asking for money.

Final Thoughts

The call forwarding scam needs just one action from you: dialling the code. Once you know that no courier, bank or telecom executive needs you to dial a code with a mobile number in it, the scam fails. Check your forwarding settings today, turn on WhatsApp two-step verification, and explain this rule to your family.