Fake IVR Call: What It Is and How to Stay Safe

Cybercrime is on the rise, becoming increasingly smarter and harder to spot every day. With every leap in technology, scammers continue to find new techniques to defraud individuals and extort money from them. One such growing threat is the fake IVR call scam - a deceptive tactic that can cause more damage than one can expect.

In most cases, it starts like a routine automated call from your bank or service provider, or any agency. But within minutes, the same IVR call turns into a fraud designed to make you share sensitive details. In this blog, we will explain what fake IVR calls are, how scammers use them, and the steps you can take to stay safe.

What is an IVR call?

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) is a technology that allows callers to interact with an automated system using voice commands or keypad inputs to access information or complete tasks without speaking to a human agent. It uses pre-recorded messages or text-to-speech technology, combined with a dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) interface.

The IVR calling system is commonly used in industries such as banking, customer support, and telecom sectors to provide 24/7 assistance. For example, when you call your bank to check your balance, you’re interacting with an interactive voice response system-generated call.

What are fake IVR calls?

Fake IVR calls are fraudulent calls that mimic genuine IVR software or systems to deceive recipients. Cyber criminals use spoofed numbers to make calls appear to come from trusted sources such as banks, service providers, or government agencies.

Victims are tricked into sharing sensitive details such as One-Time Passwords (OTPs), debit card numbers, credit card verification values (CVVs), or internet banking credentials. The fraudulent use of IVR systems poses a serious risk as victims believe they are dealing with a legitimate institution.

How do scammers exploit IVR systems?

• Fake bank calls: Scammers call from a spoofed IVR number appearing to be from a reputable bank. A pre-recorded voice claims there's an issue with your account or an unknown transaction has happened that needs immediate verification.
• Induce panic: The scammers create a sense of urgency, prompting you to take quick action without thinking. They may ask you to press a key, e.g., press 3 to confirm or press 1 to stop the transaction.
• Request for banking credentials: Once you engage with the scammer, you will be asked to enter personal financial details such as a debit/credit card number, CVV, PIN, or OTP.
• Data breach: After capturing your details, fraudsters gain full access to your account, enabling them to carry out unauthorised transactions, purchases, or transfer funds.
• Call disconnection: Once the required information is collected, the call often disconnects abruptly. By the time you realise something's wrong, the damage is already done, and you have lost your hard-earned money.

Sample case study: fraud in action

Ramesh, a regular professional with a steady job, got a phone call that he thought was from his bank’s interactive voice response system. The automated voice message claimed that his debit card had been blocked and asked him to press '2' to unblock it. Once he followed the instructions, the system asked him to enter his 16-digit card number and OTP.

Believing it was a routine check, he did as he was told. A few minutes later, he found out that Rs. 45,000 had been debited from his account. When he contacted his bank, he was informed that they had initiated no such call. Had Ramesh verified the caller’s identity through his bank’s official helpline before entering his card details, he could have avoided the financial loss.

How to identify fake IVR calls?

• Unsolicited requests: Legitimate IVR calls will never ask for confidential details like OTPs, PINs, passwords, or CVVs over the phone.
• Unknown numbers: Always verify the IVR number against the bank’s official website. If it seems unusual, be cautious. Avoid calls from unknown numbers.
• Pressure tactics or threats: Scammers create urgency or use fear tactics, such as claiming your bank account will be suspended.
• Urgent or threatening language: Scammers create false urgency or threaten consequences like account blockage or legal action to pressure quick responses. Official bank messages are calm and non-threatening.
• Inconsistent call quality: Fake IVR calls may sometimes sound less polished or amateur compared to legitimate ones.

How to protect yourself from fake IVR fraud?

• Never share sensitive details: Banks will never ask for your account number, PIN, OTP, CVV, or password over a call.
• Verify before responding: If asked for such details, disconnect and call the bank’s official helpline from its website or mobile app.
• Stay calm, don’t rush: Fraudsters use urgency to trick you, so take time to verify the caller’s identity.
• Secure your accounts: Enable Two-Factor Authentication and set strong passwords or biometrics for your phone.
• Monitor your finances: Check account statements regularly and report unauthorised transactions immediately.
• Block and report: Block suspicious numbers and report fraud attempts to your bank and cybercrime helpline - 1930.
• Spread awareness: Inform friends and family about IVR scams so they can stay cautious, too.

Fake IVR calls are emerging as a serious cyber threat, with scammers exploiting the trust people place in automated systems. By imitating genuine bank helplines and using spoofed numbers, fraudsters trick individuals into sharing details like PINs, OTPs, or login credentials —often leading to unauthorised transactions before victims even realise it.

To stay protected, treat every unexpected fraud call with suspicion. Always confirm the caller’s identity through official channels instead of acting on instructions directly from the call. Building awareness, verifying information carefully, and reporting suspicious activity promptly can go a long way in preventing losses.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is IVR number?

   An IVR number is a phone number connected to an Interactive Voice Response system. It enables callers to interact with automated menus using voice or keypad inputs, often used by banks, telecoms, or service providers.

2. Can scammers use international numbers for fake IVR calls?

   Yes, many scammers use fake international calls or spoofed numbers to appear more convincing and hide their real identity.

3. Are fake IVR calls only related to banks?

   No. While banks are common targets, scammers also impersonate telecom operators, government agencies, and even e-commerce platforms to steal sensitive information.

4. How can I tell if an IVR call is fake?

   You should be cautious if the call asks for sensitive information, creates urgency, or comes from an unknown number. Always verify through official sources.

5. How do I report phone call frauds in India?

   You can report a phone call fraud to the National Cyber Crime helpline number at 1930 or www.cybercrime.gov.in, or contact your bank’s fraud helpline directly.