A Mumbai woman was duped of ₹1.1 million in an e-SIM fraud within minutes. Posing as telecom company employees, the fraudsters lured her with a SIM upgrade offer, obtained the OTP, and activated her number on their device via the e-SIM. Subsequently, the banking OTP was transferred to them, and the money was transferred from her account.

A new method of fraud: first, the network went out, then the money.
In this case, the woman first received a call, then her mobile network went out shortly after, and by then, ₹1.1 million had been withdrawn from her bank account.

How does this game work?

The fraudsters' method of operation is very clever, known as SIM swapping or e-SIM fraud. First, they call you posing as a customer care executive from Jio, Airtel, or Vodafone. They scare you by telling you that your old SIM is about to expire or that you need to switch to an e-SIM for better 5G speeds. Then, once you agree, they email you a QR code or ask you to click on a suspicious link. Upon clicking, your physical SIM is deactivated, and your number is activated as an e-SIM on the criminal's phone.

Clean Sweep: Now, all your bank OTPs, UPI PINs, and credit card information are available to the fraudsters. By the time you report a network outage, your account is already empty.

How to protect yourself?

Never use a link or QR code to activate an e-SIM if someone asks you to. Always go to the company's official app or store.

Don't give OTP: Never give OTPs to anyone over the phone in the name of a SIM upgrade or KYC. Remember, telecom companies never ask for OTPs over the phone. So, be alerted immediately if you receive such calls or messages.

SIM Change Alert: Check with your bank to ensure that the SIM Change Alert service is turned on so you'll be notified immediately if any changes occur.

Stay away from suspicious QR codes: Scanning a QR code in an unknown email or WhatsApp message is like handing over the keys to your account.

What to do if you get scammed?

If your mobile signal suddenly disappears and you become suspicious, you can significantly protect yourself by taking these steps. First:
Call your telecom operator from another phone and have the SIM blocked.
Immediately call 1930 (National Cyber ​​Crime Helpline).
File your complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in.

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