SIM Card Scams on the Rise: How Cybercriminals Are Exploiting Trust

It was an ordinary Tuesday in Noida when Jyotsana ’s phone buzzed with a WhatsApp call from an unknown number. The caller introduced himself as a customer care executive from her mobile network provider. His tone was polished, professional, and oddly reassuring. He told her about a new feature—an embedded SIM (eSIM)—that would protect her number if her phone was ever lost. Intrigued, Jyotsana listened carefully.

The process seemed simple enough: she just had to share a code via SMS to activate the eSIM. The caller even assured her that a physical SIM card would be delivered to her doorstep within a couple of days. Trusting the voice on the other end, Jyotsana followed the instructions without a second thought.

But three days later, there was no sign of the promised SIM card. Worried, Jyotsana called her mobile provider, only to be told to visit the nearest service center for a duplicate SIM. When she finally regained access to her number, her heart sank. Messages from her bank revealed the horrifying truth—she had been scammed. Her fixed deposit was gone, two of her bank accounts were emptied, and a car loan of Rs 7.40 lakh had been fraudulently taken in her name. She rushed to file a police complaint, but it was too late. Her hard-earned money had vanished, leaving her feeling helpless and betrayed.

A Mumbai Businessman’s Close Call
In another shocking incident, a Mumbai businessman’s Monday morning turned into a nightmare. He discovered that Rs 7.5 crore had been siphoned from his company’s bank account in a sophisticated SIM swap scam. Cybercriminals had managed to convince his telecom provider to link his phone number to a SIM card under their control. This gave them access to every one-time password (OTP) sent by his bank, allowing them to drain the account effortlessly.

But this story had a silver lining. The businessman acted quickly. He dialed 1930, the cybercrime helpline, and reported the fraud. Thanks to the swift response of cybercrime officials, Rs 4.65 crore was frozen before it could be transferred out of reach. While the loss was still significant, the quick action saved him from a complete financial disaster.

What Exactly Is a SIM Card?
A Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card is that tiny chip inside your phone that connects you to the world. It stores your unique ID, allowing you to make calls, send texts, and use mobile data. The SIM also encrypts your information, keeping your phone secure. Some newer phones use an eSIM—a digital version built into the device—eliminating the need for a physical card. Whether it’s a traditional SIM or an eSIM, this little piece of technology is what keeps you connected, no matter where you go.

The Growing Threat of SIM Scams
“Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to trick people. Awareness and caution are the best defence against SIM card scams and other frauds. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, individuals can protect their digital identity, finances, and personal information from falling into the wrong hands,” said Tushar Sharma , a cyber expert and co-founder of TOFEE (The Organization For Enlightenment and Education). Sharma helped compile a guide on spotting and preventing SIM card scams, shedding light on how these frauds operate.

Types of SIM Card Scams
According to Sharma, here are the most common types of SIM card scams:

🎯 SIM Block Scam: Victims receive a message claiming their SIM will be blocked unless they verify their details or pay a fee. The message often includes a malicious link designed to steal personal information. Scammers use fear to pressure people into acting quickly without thinking.
🎯 SIM Swap Fraud: Cybercriminals collect personal details through phishing, social engineering, or data breaches. They then impersonate the victim and contact their mobile provider, requesting a SIM card replacement. Once the new SIM is activated, scammers gain access to calls, messages, and OTPs, often draining bank accounts before the victim realizes what’s happened.
🎯 SIM Cloning: Using advanced tools, fraudsters copy data from a victim’s SIM card to create a duplicate. This allows them to make calls, send messages, and intercept OTPs. A cloned SIM can even be used for illegal activities, potentially implicating the victim in crimes they didn’t commit.
🎯 Fake KYC Verification Scam: Scammers pose as telecom representatives, claiming that a victim’s Aadhaar, PAN , or KYC details need updating to prevent their SIM from being blocked. Sharing this information or clicking on harmful links can give cybercriminals access to personal and financial data.

How to Spot SIM Card Scams
🎯 Sudden SIM Deactivation: If your phone suddenly loses network service without warning, it could mean scammers have taken control of your number.
🎯 Unexpected Bank Alerts: Receiving OTPs or transaction notifications for services you didn’t request is a major red flag.
🎯 Suspicious Calls or Messages: Be cautious of unsolicited requests for KYC updates, Aadhaar, PAN, or OTPs.
🎯 Duplicate Social Media Accounts: If someone gains access to your phone number, they might try to log into your social media accounts.
🎯 Strange Emails or Posts: A hijacked SIM can lead to unusual activity on your email or social media accounts.

How to Protect Yourself
Sharma shared some practical tips to stay safe:
🎯 Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Use app-based authenticators like Google Authenticator or Authy instead of SMS-based OTPs for added security.
🎯 Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Never share your Aadhaar, PAN, OTPs, or banking details over calls, messages, or emails. Legitimate companies won’t ask for these.
🎯 Set a Strong SIM Lock Code: Many telecom providers allow you to set a PIN or password for SIM swaps. Activate this feature to add an extra layer of protection.
🎯 Verify with Your Telecom Provider: If you receive a SIM swap request notification, contact your provider immediately to block unauthorized changes.
🎯 Check Your Mobile Network Regularly: If your SIM suddenly stops working, contact your provider right away using another number.
🎯 Use a Secondary Contact Number: Keep a backup number or email for account recovery to secure important accounts like banking and email.
🎯 Report Suspicious Activity Immediately: Call the Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or report online at http://www.cybercrime.gov.in. Don’t forget to inform your bank’s fraud department as well.

Stay Alert , Stay Safe
SIM card scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but staying informed and vigilant can make all the difference. By taking simple precautions and trusting your instincts, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these devastating frauds. Remember, when it comes to your personal information, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.