Protect Yourself From Call Forwarding Scams

Don’t Let Scammers Redirect Your Calls

Scammers are always finding new ways to steal personal information and gain access to people’s accounts. One of the latest tactics is a call forwarding scam. While it may sound complicated, it actually relies on convincing someone to take a simple action on their own phone.

The good news is that this scam is easy to avoid once you know what to watch for.

Learning how call forwarding scams work can help you protect your accounts, your personal information, and your peace of mind. Staying informed is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk and feel more confident when handling unexpected phone calls.

What Is a Call Forwarding Scam?

A call forwarding scam begins with a phone call from someone pretending to be a trusted organization, such as your financial institution, a government agency, or even your mobile carrier. The caller often claims there is an urgent problem that needs to be fixed immediately.

They might say:

• Your account has been compromised.
• Someone is trying to steal your money.
• Suspicious activity has been detected.
• Your identity needs to be verified.
• Your account will be locked unless you act now.

These messages are designed to create fear and urgency. When people feel rushed, they are more likely to follow instructions without stopping to think.

The scammer then tells you to dial a special code, usually *72 followed by a phone number. They may claim this is part of a security process or that it will stop fraudulent activity.

It will not.

Instead, dialing this code turns on call forwarding, sending your incoming calls to a phone number controlled by the scammer. Once this happens, you may not even realize your calls are being redirected, which makes the scam even more dangerous.

Why Is This Dangerous?

Many companies use phone calls to verify your identity when you contact them or when suspicious activity occurs. They may also send one time passcodes by voice call.

If your calls have been forwarded, those verification calls go directly to the scammer instead of you.

This gives criminals an opportunity to receive security codes, answer verification calls, and attempt to access your accounts.

Even if they do not immediately gain access, forwarding your calls gives them another tool they can use to try to impersonate you. In some cases, scammers may combine this tactic with other scams, increasing the chances that they can successfully gain access to sensitive information.

Why Would Someone Ask Me to Dial *72?

The *72 code is a legitimate feature offered by many phone carriers. It is commonly used to forward calls from one phone number to another.

There are many valid reasons someone might choose to use call forwarding, such as forwarding business calls or redirecting calls while traveling.

The important thing to remember is this:

You should never activate call forwarding because someone unexpectedly called you and instructed you to do it.

No legitimate financial institution will ask you to dial *72, *21, or any other call forwarding code as part of verifying your identity or protecting your account. If you ever receive such a request, it is a strong sign that the call is not legitimate.

Warning Signs of This Scam

Knowing the warning signs can help you avoid becoming a victim.

Be cautious if a caller:

• Claims there is an emergency involving your account.
• Pressures you to act immediately.
• Asks you to dial *72, *21, or another call forwarding code.
• Tells you not to hang up.
• Asks for security codes or passwords.
• Becomes impatient or aggressive when you ask questions.

Scammers rely on creating panic. Taking a moment to slow down can make all the difference. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it is always better to pause and verify before taking action.

How to Protect Yourself

The best defense is knowing what legitimate organizations will and will not ask you to do.

Here are a few simple ways to stay safe:

• Never dial a call forwarding code because someone tells you to over the phone.
• Do not share one time passcodes, passwords, or security codes with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
• Be cautious of urgent requests, even if the caller sounds professional.
• Remember that caller ID can be spoofed. A phone number that appears legitimate is not proof that the caller is who they claim to be.
• If something feels suspicious, hang up and contact the organization directly using a phone number you know is legitimate.
• Keep your phone software updated and review your phone settings regularly so you are familiar with how features like call forwarding work.

Taking these precautions can greatly reduce your chances of falling for this type of scam.

What Should You Do If You Receive One of These Calls?

If someone asks you to dial a call forwarding code:

1. Hang up immediately.
2. Do not follow their instructions.
3. Call your financial institution using the phone number listed on its official website or on the back of your debit or credit card.
4. Report the suspicious call so others can be warned.

Taking these simple steps can prevent scammers from gaining access to your information. Reporting scams also helps organizations track trends and warn others in your community.

What If You Already Dialed the Code?

If you accidentally activated call forwarding, don’t panic. Acting quickly can reduce the risk.

First, contact your mobile phone carrier. Explain that you believe call forwarding was activated as part of a scam and ask them to disable any forwarding that has been turned on.

Next, contact your financial institution so they can review your account for suspicious activity and help you secure your information if necessary.

You may also want to change your account passwords and monitor your accounts closely for any unusual activity. The sooner you act, the better your chances of preventing fraud.

Stay Alert and Stay Safe

Scammers continue to change their tactics, but one thing remains the same. They rely on fear, urgency, and confusion to convince people to act without thinking.

Taking a few extra moments to verify a request can protect your accounts and your personal information.

If you ever receive a suspicious call claiming to be from your financial institution, hang up and call back using a trusted phone number. A legitimate representative will never ask you to activate call forwarding to secure your account.

When in doubt, verify first. A few minutes of caution can help prevent a much bigger problem. Staying aware and sharing this information with friends and family can also help protect others from becoming victims.

Frequently Asked Questions

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