Last Updated on 22/11/2021 by Riya
Fake KYC SMS and verification calls are now very common among users, everyday several users get fake calls and messages on their phone, which disturbs them and many times also forced them to become a victim of scams.
However, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), a state-owned telco, is now warning customers regarding spam calls posing as customer service representatives and asking for KYC details. Such scammers often ask users to install an application for SIM card KYC verification, neglecting which they will lose access to their phone numbers.
Furthermore, they will also ask you to undertake online recharge once you install such an application. Now, you’re wondering why scammers often use these tricks or what benefit they will get by doing this so let me tell you that it aids scammers in stealing users’ banking information, allowing them to execute fund transfers from their bank accounts.
The application that users install essentially functions as a screen mirroring application for scammers that gives them all of the users’ personal details. To make the users aware of this scam recently BSNL start an SMS campaign in which it stated “Beware of bogus communications urging you to call any number for verification/install any app to add your KYC/Aadhaar Card details,”.
BSNL also clarified that “they would never require you to install a third-party application. Please be cautious of such SMS/calls, as they could harm you financially”. Users should also avoid updating KYC details and clicking on any links or dialing any numbers without ensuring that the source from where the call was made is legitimate.
Although, BSNL is not the first who give such advice as similar advice regarding such KYC fraud has also been given by other private telecom firms including Airtel, Jio, and Vi. Some security researchers have also exposed the data leaking via applications.
