Emergency or scam? How lending your phone can lead to financial theft

Imagine you’re out enjoying your day when a stranger approaches you in a panic. They plead, “Can I borrow your phone for a moment? It’s an emergency, and my phone’s dead!” It feels natural to want to help—after all, what’s the harm in letting them make a quick call? But what seems like a kind act could lead to serious financial trouble. Scammers have found ways to exploit kindness, using borrowed phones to access sensitive information like banking apps, OTPs, and personal messages.

Keep reading to know how this scam works and how you can stay safe.

How the scam works

Once the scammer gets hold of your phone, they can secretly make changes or download apps in just a few moments. One common trick is setting up call forwarding, which allows them to intercept your calls and SMS messages. This includes OTPs from your bank, allowing them to access your accounts without you realising it.

What makes this scam so dangerous is how subtle it is. The scammer leaves no obvious trace, and by the time you notice something is wrong, they may have already drained your bank account.

Also read: Delhi man loses Rs 9 lakh to fraudsters posing as electricity department officials

Who do scammers target?

Scammers often go after people who are distracted, in a rush, or less familiar with technology. They create believable stories—like needing to call a sick relative—to tug at your heartstrings and make you act quickly without thinking.

Also read: Bengaluru software engineer loses Rs 1.2cr in courier scam: Here’s what happened

How to protect yourself

• Don’t hand over your phone: If someone asks to borrow your phone, offer to dial the number for them and put the call on speaker.
• Check your settings regularly: Go to your phone’s settings to ensure features like call forwarding or call divert are disabled.
• Guard your OTPs: Never share OTPs or banking details, even with someone you trust.
• Report suspicious activity: If you suspect you’ve been scammed, immediately call the National Cyber Crime Helpline for assistance.
• Stay alert and spread awareness: While helping others is important, your security should always come first. Scams like these rely on emotional manipulation, so staying informed and cautious can make all the difference.