What are fake IVR calls? The new scam targeting your money👇🫢

RZ Nitin Star Quester - 2025

02-08 15:00

Hey Questers ❤️ 



In its twelfth edition of The Safe Side, our ongoing series to help you stay safe online, we break down fake IVR call scams and explain how they work, how to identify such calls, and what to do if you fall victim.

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With advancing technology, scammers are getting more sophisticated by the hour. They are devising new ways to swindle unsuspecting people of their hard-earned money, making it imperative to stay aware. The fake Interactive Voice Response (IVR) scam, a recent fraud, can cause more damage than one could imagine.


An IVR system is an automated phone system used by banks, telecom providers, and customer service helplines. It allows callers to navigate services using voice commands or keypad inputs—like pressing “1” for English or “2” for balance inquiries. Now, scammers have found a way to exploit this technology.


Recently, a woman from Bengaluru lost Rs 2 lakh after she responded to an automated phone call that mimicked her bank’s IVR system. Reportedly, the incident took place on January 20 when she received a call from a number that displayed ‘SBI’ as the caller ID. Incidentally, the woman also has an account with the SBI Bank. The IVR call told her that Rs 2 lakh was being transferred from her account and that if she wanted to dispute this transaction, she would have the press-specific keys. The victim followed the instructions without hesitation. The call ended soon after and a message flashed on the screen informing her that the sum had been debited from her account. Later, the victim narrated the incident to the bank officials, and a formal complaint was registered.


In another incident, a man from Dollygunj, Sri Vijaya Puram, lost around Rs 80,000. In September 2024, he allegedly received a call from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) warning that his mobile network would be suspended. The scammer instructed him to press 9 during the call and claimed that his Aadhaar and phone number were being used for illegal activities in Mumbai. The call was then transferred to another person impersonating a cybercrime officer. Following the duo’s instructions, the victim ended up losing the money.


How do scammers exploit IVR systems?

Scammers set up fake IVR systems that sound just like the real ones and trick people into entering sensitive information—like banking details, OTPs, or card numbers,” said Parashar, adding, “The scam usually starts with a call pretending to be from a bank, saying there’s a problem with the bank account or an urgent transaction that needs verification. If you fall for it and enter your details, the scammers get access to your money.”


According to him, here are the common tactics used by scammers:


Caller ID spoofing: The scam call appears to come from a number that looks legitimate, sometimes even matching the official number of the financial institution or the government agency.


Professional voice cloning: The automated voice mimics real IVR systems, making it sound credible.


Inducing panic: Victims hear alarming messages like “Your account will be blocked in two hours” or “An unauthorised transaction has been made.”


According to Parashar, senior citizens are most vulnerable to fake IVR call scams since they are not comfortable with technology. Other vulnerable groups include non-English speakers –– language barrier can make it hard to verify calls. Small business owners and new online banking users are also vulnerable targets.


How to identify fake IVR calls

Identifying fake IVR calls is fairly simple. Legitimate IVRs never ask for OTPs, CVVs, or passwords. If a system requests these, it’s a scam. Now, imagine you have followed the fake IVR instructions to reach a point where a scammer posing as a fake customer service representative is talking to you. In such a situation, always remember that scammers rush you. Real customer service representatives won’t pressure you to act immediately. Fake IVRs also sound overly alarming. Real IVRs provide neutral, straightforward instructions. When in doubt, verify the contact number. If in doubt, hang up and call the official number from the bank’s website.


How to protect from falling for fake IVR scam calls

📌 Never enter sensitive details like OTPs, PINs, or card numbers during automated calls.


📌 Enable SMS and email alerts to verify transactions.


📌 Register for Do Not Disturb (DND) services to reduce spam calls.


📌 Report suspicious calls to cybercrime officials and your bank.


📌 If a call disconnects suddenly after you enter details, contact your bank immediately.


Scammers can gain access to accounts through these fake calls. Once they get details like OTP or debit card number, scammers can make fraudulent transactions or even take over the bank account. In some cases, scammers can record the voice of victims and use AI to replicate it, tricking banks into verifying fake transactions,” Parashar said.


Are banks and telecom companies doing enough?

Financial and corporate institutions are stepping up their game in preventing these scams,” said Parashar. Here are some measures they take:


📌 Blocking spoofed numbers and filtering fraudulent calls.


📌 Using AI to detect unusual call patterns associated with fraud.


📌 Running awareness campaigns to educate customers.


📌 Enhancing authentication methods to prevent scammers from bypassing security.


However, scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using AI-generated voices and deepfake technology to imitate real bank employees. “Fraudsters now use advanced caller ID spoofing and vishing bots that respond in real-time, making scams even more convincing,” said Parashar.


What to do if you are scammed

📌Hang up immediately and call your bank using the official number.





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