SIM Swap Scams
🔹 Short Note
SIM Swap Scams refers to a type of cyber crime where a fraudster takes your mobile number in his SIM without your knowledge. Subsequently, the fraudster gains control of your bank, UPI, and social media accounts.
🔹 Detailed Explanation :
English:
A SIM Swap Scams happens when fraudsters illegally get a duplicate SIM card of the victim’s mobile number. Once the scammer’s phone has the activated SIM, the victim will not be able to use the network, meanwhile, the fraudster will receive all the OTPs, calls, and messages.
In this way, the scammers are able to reset the bank passwords, open bank accounts through UPI, get control over social media accounts and steal money. Usually, the victim comes to know about the network fraud only when the mobile displays “No Network” for a long time.
Hindi :
SIM Swap Scams in Hindi- ek SIM Swap Scam karti hai jo challenging fraudster ban jata hai, wo telecom employee ban kar ya fake documents ke through aapke number ki duplicate SIM ke liye nikalva leta hai. Jis taraf se SIM activate ho jati hai, victim doing phone network lose kar deta hai.
Abhi bank OTP, UPI verification, and login alerts aise scammer ko milne lagte hain. Fraudster also access accounts without requesting OTP and withdraw money.
🔹 Main Conditions
- Suddenly no network on phone
- Without any reason calls and text messages stop
- Bank/UPI unauthorized transactions observed
- SIM reissue at a telecom store without your knowledge
- Misuse of identity details
🔹 Example
Rohit’s phone lost network service. In a matter of hours, ₹2.5 lakh was transferred from his bank account. During the investigation, it was revealed that the fraudster had obtained his duplicate SIM through a fake ID.
🔹 Key Legal Points
- This type of SIM Swap Scams is considered to be a cyber cheating offence
- IPC Section 420 (Cheating) is used
- Identity theft is an offence under the IT Act
- If employees of a telecom company remain negligent, then action can be taken against them too
- Through early reporting, bank accounts can be frozen
🔹 Nyay Neeti Advice
- If the network has suddenly gone off, then immediately contact telecom customer care
- Bank and UPI services should be blocked immediately
- Do not share Aadhaar, PAN, and mobile number on public platforms
- Call 1930 Cyber Helpline immediately after the fraud
- Let the elderly family members know about the SIM swap scams
