What is the new cyber scam highlighted by the T.N. police, and how does its modus operandi differ from traditional phishing?

This scam involves fraudsters impersonating delivery agents, tricking victims into dialing a USSD code (e.g., *21* followed by a number). Unlike traditional phishing that seeks credentials directly, this method activates call forwarding, diverting critical OTPs and verification calls to the fraudster. This sophisticated social engineering bypasses direct data theft, making it a significant evolving threat.

Explain the technical mechanism of how USSD codes are exploited in this scam and its impact on a victim's digital security.

The scam exploits USSD codes like *21* to activate unconditional call forwarding on the victim's mobile. This diverts all incoming calls, including bank OTPs and authentication calls for messaging apps, to the fraudster. Consequently, criminals gain unauthorized access to bank accounts and social media profiles, compromising financial and personal digital security without direct password theft.

What are the broader implications of such USSD-based cyber frauds for India's financial system and national security?

Such frauds undermine public trust in digital transactions and pose a significant threat to financial stability by enabling unauthorized access to bank accounts. From a national security perspective, widespread cybercrime can destabilize critical infrastructure and erode citizen confidence in digital governance. It necessitates robust cybersecurity frameworks and continuous public education to mitigate risks.

How does the T.N. police advisory exemplify the government's approach to combating cybercrime, particularly concerning public awareness?

The advisory underscores the government's proactive strategy in combating cybercrime, emphasizing public awareness as a crucial defense mechanism. By disseminating information about new modus operandi, authorities aim to empower citizens to identify and prevent victimization. This aligns with GS2 policies on cybersecurity and GS3 security challenges, highlighting the importance of citizen participation in national security efforts.

In the context of UPSC GS3, how does this incident reflect the evolving nature of cyber threats and the challenges in cybersecurity?

This incident exemplifies the evolving sophistication of cyber threats, moving beyond simple phishing to exploit fundamental telecom services like USSD. It highlights challenges in cybersecurity, including the need for continuous public education, robust technical safeguards, and adaptive law enforcement strategies. For GS3, it underscores the dynamic interplay between technology, crime, and national security, demanding comprehensive policy responses.

T.N. police warn public about new cyber sc...

The Tamil Nadu Police Cyber Crime Wing has issued a public advisory regarding a new cyber fraud involving impersonation of courier agents and fraudulent access to bank accounts via call forwarding. This highlights the increasing sophistication of cybercrimes and the need for public awareness and vigilance.

Overview The Cyber Crime Wing of the Tamil Nadu Police has issued a public advisory concerning a new and emerging cyber fraud. This fraud involves criminals impersonating courier or delivery service agents to fraudulently access citizens’ bank accounts and social media profiles. The advisory aims to increase public awareness and prevent further victimization. Key Developments Modus Operandi The cybercriminals contact individuals under the guise of confirming or rescheduling a parcel delivery. During the conversation, victims are instructed to dial a USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) code received via SMS. This code typically begins with *21* followed by a mobile number belonging to the fraudster. Dialing this code activates call forwarding on the victim’s mobile phone without their knowledge. Impact of Call Forwarding Once call forwarding is activated, all incoming calls, including bank verification calls, OTP confirmations, and authentication calls from WhatsApp or Telegram, are automatically diverted to the fraudster. This allows criminals to carry out unauthorized financial transactions and take over messaging accounts. Official Advisory Additional Director General of Police , Cyber Crime Wing , Sandeep Mittal , has cautioned the public and appealed to them to remain alert and share this advisory with family members, friends, and colleagues. The advisory was published on December 20, 2025 . UPSC Relevance This news is relevant to GS3: Science and Technology and GS3: Security as it highlights the evolving nature of cybercrime and its potential impact on financial security. It also touches upon GS2: Government Policies related to cybersecurity and public awareness campaigns. Important Facts Tamil Nadu Police Cyber Crime Wing issued the advisory. Fraudsters impersonate courier/delivery service agents . Victims are instructed to dial a USSD code starting with *21* . Call forwarding is activated without the victim's knowledge. Fraudsters gain access to bank verification calls and OTP confirmations . Sandeep Mittal cautioned the public. Advisory published on December 20, 2025 .

Overview

The Cyber Crime Wing of the Tamil Nadu Police has issued a public advisory concerning a new and emerging cyber fraud. This fraud involves criminals impersonating courier or delivery service agents to fraudulently access citizens’ bank accounts and social media profiles. The advisory aims to increase public awareness and prevent further victimization.

Key Developments

Modus Operandi

The cybercriminals contact individuals under the guise of confirming or rescheduling a parcel delivery. During the conversation, victims are instructed to dial a USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) code received via SMS. This code typically begins with *21* followed by a mobile number belonging to the fraudster. Dialing this code activates call forwarding on the victim’s mobile phone without their knowledge.

Impact of Call Forwarding

Once call forwarding is activated, all incoming calls, including bank verification calls, OTP confirmations, and authentication calls from WhatsApp or Telegram, are automatically diverted to the fraudster. This allows criminals to carry out unauthorized financial transactions and take over messaging accounts.

Official Advisory

Additional Director General of Police, Cyber Crime Wing, Sandeep Mittal, has cautioned the public and appealed to them to remain alert and share this advisory with family members, friends, and colleagues. The advisory was published on December 20, 2025.

UPSC Relevance

This news is relevant to GS3: Science and Technology and GS3: Security as it highlights the evolving nature of cybercrime and its potential impact on financial security. It also touches upon GS2: Government Policies related to cybersecurity and public awareness campaigns.

Important Facts

Tamil Nadu Police Cyber Crime Wing issued the advisory.
Fraudsters impersonate courier/delivery service agents.
Victims are instructed to dial a USSD code starting with *21*.
Call forwarding is activated without the victim's knowledge.
Fraudsters gain access to bank verification calls and OTP confirmations.
Sandeep Mittal cautioned the public.
Advisory published on December 20, 2025.

Overview

Key Developments

Modus Operandi

Impact of Call Forwarding

Official Advisory

UPSC Relevance

Important Facts

Tamil Nadu Police Cyber Crime Wing issued the advisory.

Fraudsters impersonate courier/delivery service agents.

Victims are instructed to dial a USSD code starting with *21*.

Call forwarding is activated without the victim's knowledge.

Fraudsters gain access to bank verification calls and OTP confirmations.

Sandeep Mittal cautioned the public.

Advisory published on December 20, 2025.

Full Article

Overview

Key Developments

Modus Operandi

Impact of Call Forwarding

Official Advisory

UPSC Relevance

Important Facts

Prelims Facts (Factual Knowledge)

Mains Angles (Analytical Discussion)

Essay Themes (Critical Thinking)

Full Article

Overview

Key Developments

Modus Operandi

Impact of Call Forwarding

Official Advisory

UPSC Relevance

Important Facts

Prelims Facts (Factual Knowledge)

Mains Angles (Analytical Discussion)

Essay Themes (Critical Thinking)

T.N. police warn public about new cyber scam involving USSD codes

Overview

Full Article

Overview

Key Developments

Modus Operandi

Impact of Call Forwarding

Official Advisory

UPSC Relevance

Important Facts

Analysis

Prelims Facts (Factual Knowledge)

Mains Angles (Analytical Discussion)

Essay Themes (Critical Thinking)

Overview

Full Article

Overview

Key Developments

Modus Operandi

Impact of Call Forwarding

Official Advisory

UPSC Relevance

Important Facts

Analysis

Prelims Facts (Factual Knowledge)

Mains Angles (Analytical Discussion)

Essay Themes (Critical Thinking)