In recent times, a new form of scam has emerged, preying on unsuspecting individuals—call merging scams.

This deceptive practice involves scammers tricking victims into merging their calls, causing them to unknowingly fall into a financial trap.

While the term call merging might sound harmless, it's crucial to understand how this scam works to protect yourself and your finances.

How Call Merging Works?

The scam usually begins when an individual receives a phone call, often appearing as though it is from a legitimate company or service. The scammer might claim to be offering a product or service, or even pretend to be a customer service representative from a known company. The victim is then encouraged to press a button to merge the call, which seems innocent at first.

However, once the calls are merged, the victim is unknowingly connected to a third party that charges them for the call. These charges could be incredibly high, often racking up significant costs without the victim realizing it. The intruder might also attempt to extract personal information, like bank details, under the guise of verifying account information.

Why Are Victims Targeted?

Scammers typically choose vulnerable individuals who might not be as tech-savvy or aware of the latest fraud tactics. They often target older adults, as they may be more trusting of unsolicited calls and unaware of such scams. With the rise of robocalls and phishing attempts, these scams have become even more sophisticated, making it easier for fraudsters to deceive people.

Warning Signs of a Call Merging Scam

There are a few red flags to look out for when dealing with unsolicited phone calls:

- Unsolicited Call: If you receive a call from an unknown number or an unfamiliar organization, be cautious. Scammers often disguise their calls as legitimate businesses to gain trust.

1. Pressing Buttons: Any request to press a button or merge a call should raise immediate suspicion. Legitimate companies would not ask you to do so.

2. Too Good To Be True Offers: If the offer sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Be wary of promises that seem unrealistic, especially if they involve a financial transaction.

3. Strange Number Charges: If you notice unfamiliar charges on your phone bill or bank account after a phone call, investigate them immediately.

How to Protect Yourself?

There are a few steps you can take to safeguard yourself against this scam:

1. Avoid Pressing Unknown Buttons: If you're asked to press a button, especially during an unsolicited call, hang up immediately. Legitimate companies will not ask you to merge calls or make any unusual requests.

2. Check Your Phone Bill: Regularly monitor your phone bill for any unusual charges or numbers. If you spot any suspicious charges, contact your service provider right away.

3. Use Call Blockers: Many phone carriers now offer call-blocking services that can help reduce the number of scam calls you receive. You can also download apps that identify and block known scam numbers.

4. Stay Informed: Stay updated on the latest scams and tactics used by fraudsters. The more informed you are, the less likely you are to fall victim to scams.

Call merging scams are a growing problem, but with the right knowledge and vigilance, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these fraudulent tactics. Always be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls, and never merge calls or provide personal information unless you're certain of the identity of the caller!

Stay safe, Lykkers! Always be cautious and protect your hard-earned money!