Mobile & OTP scams

Question 1

A caller asks you to dial an unfamiliar code containing symbols and numbers, claiming it will fix poor network coverage. Why should you be cautious?

Some phone codes modify telecommunications settings rather than simply testing network quality.

All dial codes permanently increase your phone bill Dial codes automatically reveal your UPI PIN Every dial code permanently damages the SIM card The code could change call-related settings such as forwarding

Question 2

Someone claiming to represent your mobile operator sends you a messaging-app link to install a 'SIM verification' application. What should you do?

A convincing company name or logo in a message does not establish that an application is genuine.

Avoid the link and verify the request directly with the mobile operator Install it because SIM verification requires special applications Install it if the application displays the telecom company's logo Install it on another person's phone first

Question 3

A loan representative says an OTP is required to check whether you qualify for a pre-approved loan. What is the safest action?

Before using an OTP, determine exactly what action the authentication code is authorizing.

Ask the representative to generate another OTP Refuse to share it and independently verify the lender and request Share it only if the loan amount is small Share the OTP because no money is being transferred yet

Question 4

You receive an OTP for adding a new device to your financial account, but you are not setting up a new device. What should you do?

Think about why an authentication service would ask for approval to register a device you do not recognize.

Approve it because banks periodically register devices automatically Do not approve it and review the security of your account Enter the OTP once to discover which device requested it Send the OTP to customer support through social media

Question 5

Your telecom provider confirms that a replacement SIM was issued for your number, but you never requested one. What should you do?

Consider what someone controlling a replacement SIM could potentially receive on your behalf.

Immediately secure your mobile number and linked accounts Request more OTPs using your old SIM Turn your phone off and wait for the issue to resolve Wait to see whether the replacement SIM becomes active

Question 6

You receive an OTP for a banking transaction you did not initiate. What should you do?

Think about what an unexpected authentication code could indicate when you have not initiated any transaction.

Check your account through official channels and report any suspicious activity Ignore the OTP and assume it was sent by mistake Reply to the OTP message asking who requested it Share the OTP if someone claiming to be from the bank calls

Question 7

A caller asks you to share an OTP but says, 'Don't worry, I will never ask for your PIN or password.' Why is the request still unsafe?

Different authentication secrets can protect different stages of account access or transactions.

An OTP can itself authorize or complete a sensitive action OTPs are unsafe only when combined with an ATM PIN The OTP is safe to share if it expires within one minute The request is safe because the caller did not ask for a password

Question 8

A stranger contacts you saying an OTP was accidentally sent to your mobile number and asks you to forward it. What should you do?

Consider why an authentication service would send a code specifically to your mobile number.

Do not share the OTP Forward it because the OTP belongs to them Share it after waiting a few minutes Share it if they can confirm your mobile number

Question 9

Why should you read the entire OTP message instead of looking only at the numeric code?

The words surrounding an authentication code can tell you why the code was generated.

Reading the full message makes the OTP valid for longer Reading the message automatically blocks scam calls The message can explain what action or transaction the OTP is intended to authorize The numeric code is normally incomplete without the rest of the message

Question 10

You receive an email-account login OTP immediately after someone calls claiming to conduct a security verification. What should you suspect?

Connect the unexpected login code with what the caller may be attempting at that same moment.

The caller may be attempting to access your email account The OTP proves that the caller is legitimate Your email provider is automatically testing your phone Your mobile network generated the OTP as part of the call

Question 11

You receive an SMS containing a link to download an APK described as an urgent 'bank security update.' What should you do?

Think about whether legitimate security updates should be installed from unsolicited message links.

Do not install it and verify the update through official channels Install it after temporarily disabling mobile data Install it because security updates should be applied immediately Send the APK to another person to test first

Question 12

Why can sending someone a screenshot of an OTP message be as dangerous as reading the OTP aloud?

Focus on what information is visible inside the screenshot rather than how it is transmitted.

Screenshots automatically authorize transactions Screenshots automatically disable mobile security Taking a screenshot permanently extends the OTP expiry time The screenshot can reveal the OTP and related authentication information

Question 13

After installing an app recommended by an unknown caller, you notice unusual permissions and unexpected banking notifications. What should you do?

Treat the combination of an untrusted application and unexpected financial activity as a potential compromise.

Continue using the app until money is actually stolen Give the app additional permissions so it works correctly Secure affected accounts and take steps to isolate or remove the suspicious app Send screenshots of the banking notifications to the caller

Question 14

You are sharing your phone screen with someone claiming to be technical support when a banking OTP notification appears. What should you do?

Information visible on your screen may also be visible to the person watching the screen share.

Ask the support person whether they saw the OTP Continue because you did not read the OTP aloud Delete the notification while continuing to share the screen Immediately stop screen sharing and do not disclose or use the OTP

Question 15

Someone claiming to work in your bank's fraud department asks you to stay on the phone while opening your banking app and following their instructions. What is the safest approach?

Independent verification prevents an unknown caller from controlling both the story and your actions.

End the call and independently contact the bank Follow the instructions because fraud departments require immediate cooperation Follow the instructions unless the caller asks for your ATM PIN Keep the call active but hide your account balance