Odisha Police warns against scam calls from foreign numbers on WhatsApp

Bhubaneswar, May 16: The Odisha Police issued a warning on Thursday regarding incoming calls from foreign numbers starting with +92 on WhatsApp, urging mobile users to exercise caution. Through its official handle, the police advised the public to be vigilant and avoid answering calls purportedly from individuals posing as police officers and demanding money by falsely accusing their close relatives.

This cautionary measure comes in response to a surge in reports across the state of fraudulent calls impersonating police officials. Cyber fraudsters have increasingly resorted to this tactic to deceive unsuspecting individuals by alleging wrongdoing by their family members.

In light of these incidents, the Odisha Police emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and refraining from sharing any personal information upon receiving such calls.

Earlier, the Department of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Communications had issued a similar advisory, warning mobile users to be cautious of calls from foreign numbers, particularly those starting with +92 on WhatsApp. The advisory urged recipients not to divulge any information if contacted by individuals claiming to be government officials threatening to disconnect their mobile services due to alleged involvement in illicit activities.