Numerous inquiries have flooded Manorama Online’s Fact Check helpline (8129100164) about the potential risks associated with attending WhatsApp calls from numbers starting with ‘+92,’ amid concerns of scam involvement. Manorama’s investigation uncovered historical reports dating back to 2012, with warnings from BSNL, Airtel, and Vodafone regarding calls from these numbers. Seeking clarity, Manorama consulted Kerala Police’s Cyber Cell.
Kollam Cyber Cell SI Shyam emphasized caution, advising against answering unknown WhatsApp calls from +92 numbers and urging users to block them. Shyam warned, “If they attend such calls, a special hacking application would start functioning, enabling the scamsters access to all private information stored in the mobile phone, including the gallery.”
Gallery access permission, often granted for various needs, facilitates cyber crooks in their endeavors. The scam involves stealing images, especially of women, creating explicit content using tools like Artificial Intelligence and Deep Fake, and subsequently targeting victims. While telecom providers had previously blocked +92 numbers, fraudsters have resurfaced, making calls from these numbers.
The Cyber Cell confirmed that fraudsters are actively attempting to deceive individuals through calls originating from +92 numbers. Authorities emphasize vigilance, urging people to promptly block such numbers upon receiving calls to protect against potential scams and unauthorized access to personal information.
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