WARNING – Beware the Call Forwarding Scam: How Scammers Exploit Phone Features for Fraud

A new phone scam has emerged called the “Call Forwarding Scam,” and it is gaining traction in the U.S., preying on unsuspecting individuals by exploiting a phone feature designed for convenience. This tactic not only tricks victims into redirecting their calls but also grants scammers a pathway to steal sensitive information, commit fraud, or impersonate victims.

How the Call Forwarding Scam Works

The scam operates with precision and psychological manipulation:

1. Late-Night Call Tactic
   Scammers often call their victims during late hours to catch them off guard, heightening their emotional vulnerability and impairing their judgment.
2. Emergency Scenario
   The scammer fabricates an urgent situation, such as a family member in a hospital or a legal crisis, to pressure the victim into immediate action.
3. Instructions to Dial *72
   Victims are directed to dial a phone number beginning with *72, followed by a 10-digit number, under the guise of connecting with someone who can assist.
4. Call Forwarding Activation
   Dialing *72 unknowingly activates the phone’s call-forwarding feature, redirecting all incoming calls to the scammer’s number.

Once the scammer gains control of the victim’s calls, they can intercept sensitive communications and use the hijacked number for further exploitation.

An Alarming Goal: Account Takeovers

One significant purpose behind this scam is account takeover. Many accounts—social media, financial platforms, email services, and more—use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added security. Often, one MFA option involves receiving an authentication or authorization code via phone call.

When a scammer hijacks a victim’s phone through call forwarding, they can intercept these verification calls. This allows them to:

• Reset Passwords: By accessing authentication codes sent via call, scammers can reset account passwords, effectively locking the victim out.
• Gain Access to Financial Accounts: With control over codes sent for banking apps or payment platforms, scammers can transfer funds, make fraudulent purchases, or steal financial data.
• Compromise Social Media: Taking over social media accounts enables scammers to impersonate victims, conduct further scams, or damage reputations.
• Wider Fraud Opportunities: Control over a victim’s phone number facilitates new scams targeting others within the victim’s contact network.

The Risks of the Call Forwarding Scam

• Identity Theft: By intercepting communications, scammers can impersonate victims to steal personal information.
• Financial Fraud: Scammers gain access to banking and payment accounts, potentially causing severe financial losses.
• Missed Critical Communications: Victims may miss essential calls, such as medical alerts or job-related communications.
• Further Exploitation: Using the victim’s number, scammers can launch additional fraud schemes against the victim’s contacts.

Protecting Yourself from the Call Forwarding Scam

To defend against this scam and its devastating consequences, take these steps:

• Understand Call Forwarding Features
  Learn how call forwarding (*72) works and its deactivation code (*73) to maintain control over your phone.
• Verify Emergencies Independently
  If contacted about an emergency, hang up and verify the situation through reliable, trusted sources.
• Be Wary of Urgency
  Scammers exploit urgency to bypass critical thinking. Pause, evaluate, and consult someone you trust before taking action.
• Monitor Your Accounts
  Regularly review your bank, social media, and other accounts for unusual activity. Ensure contact information is correct.
• Strengthen Security Practices
• • Enable multi-factor authentication on all accounts, but prefer app-based or hardware token options rather than phone call-based MFA.
  • Use strong, unique passwords and a password manager to secure accounts.
• Spread Awareness
  Inform friends, family, and colleagues about this scam to help them avoid falling victim.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you’ve dialed *72 and suspect a scam:

• Deactivate Call Forwarding: Dial *73 immediately to stop call forwarding.
• Notify Your Phone Carrier: Report the incident and ensure your accounts are secure by changing the passwords – use secure three-word phrases.
• Secure Your Accounts: Change passwords and update authentication settings for all critical accounts.
• Monitor for Fraud: Watch for suspicious activity across financial and personal platforms.
• Report the Scam: Notify the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). If you have had any financial loss, report it to your local police and the FBI – go to reporting.AgainstScams.org to learn how.

Final Thoughts

The Call Forwarding Scam represents a dangerous evolution in fraud tactics, exploiting phone features to compromise accounts and cause financial and emotional harm. By understanding how it works and taking proactive measures, individuals can protect themselves and their information. Awareness and vigilance remain the best defenses against these sophisticated scams. Always question unsolicited calls, especially those urging immediate action, and prioritize verifying any claims independently.