Vishing is a type of fraud that involves luring a customer over a call to share his/her personal and confidential information such as Customer ID, M-PIN, password, passcode, Credit/Debit Card number, card expiry date and CVV.
Fraudsters can use several means to appear to be a genuine source, say Paytm or Paytm Payments Bank. They can even use technology to mask their real phone numbers so you see the legitimate Paytm or Payments Bank Customer Care number 0120 3888 388 /011 3399 6699 as the caller ID.
Here are a couple of baits fraudsters often use to cheat unsuspecting consumers:
1. “Hi Sir/Ma’am, you have won an exclusive offer reserved for our top customers only. Please share your credit/debit card details so we can transfer the gift money to your bank account.”
2. “Hi, I’m calling from Paytm. We have launched a KYC drive across India. Doing KYC would mean you can accept up to INR 1 lakh in your Paytm Wallet. However, I would need some proof of identification and your credit/debit card details.”
3. “Hi, I’m calling from Paytm. We are happy to let you know that you have won an additional Rs. 5000 cashback on your latest purchase. Please share your credit/debit card number so we can credit the money directly into your bank account.”
4. “Congratulations! You have been nominated as a ‘Top Paytm Merchant’ in your locality and are now eligible for a Special Booster Pack. This will further upgrade the limits of your Paytm Wallet. Please share some proof of identification and your credit card details to avail this great offer.”
5. “Hey, I’ m calling from Paytm/Paytm Payments Bank. Since we recently shifted your wallet from One97 to Paytm Payments Bank, I need to authorise your account or otherwise all your balance will be lost. You need to reset your password to paytm123 or some other fixed set and share me one-time verification code.
OR
You need to provide the card details used to add money in wallet and share the OTP you received on your phone”
Whenever you receive such suspicious calls, messages or emails, please adhere to these precautionary measures:
Do’s
1. Disconnect immediately and share the fraud number with us by calling our helpline number — 011 3399 6699.
2. Call us immediately if you have mistakenly revealed your Paytm Wallet details to someone.
Dont’s
1. Never share confidential details when you receive such unsolicited calls, SMSes or emails.
2. If you get a SMS/call asking for sensitive information or OTP, do not provide these details.
3. Don’t open or forward these suspicious links via email, SMS or chat.
4. Don’t send reset password link to anyone.
5. Don’t set a password suggested by anyone.
At Paytm Payments Bank, we constantly strive to ensure your safety against online frauds. Write to us at paytm.com/care or call us back on 011 3399 6699 immediately after disconnecting any such incoming calls.
Stay vigilant, stay secure!