Many people consider a sudden mobile network loss a simple technical issue. However, such incidents can sometimes point to serious cyber fraud. In Mumbai, a woman lost mobile connectivity for a short time and ended up losing ₹11 lakh within minutes. Cybercriminals are now using advanced tactics to trap victims and access their bank accounts. The Home Ministry’s cybersecurity unit, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), shared the incident on its official X handle and urged citizens to stay alert. According to I4C, fraudsters targeted the woman through an e-SIM fraud, which allowed them to gain control of her number and withdraw money from her bank account.
What is e-SIM fraud?
e-SIM fraud works in a way similar to traditional SIM swap scams and can cause serious financial losses. In many cases, scammers call victims while pretending to be telecom customer care representatives. They convince people to upgrade their SIM or convert it into an e-SIM.
After collecting personal details, fraudsters issue a new e-SIM or SIM card in the victim’s name. This process transfers the mobile number to a SIM controlled by the criminals. Once they gain access to the number, they intercept OTPs and break into bank accounts to carry out transactions.
In the Mumbai case, scammers allegedly posed as telecom agents and contacted the woman about network issues. They gathered her details under the pretext of resolving the problem and then executed a SIM swap to take control of her number.
How to protect yourself from e-SIM fraud
Staying cautious remains the best defence against such scams. Telecom operators usually do not call customers to upgrade SIM cards. If you face call or internet issues, contact customer care directly or visit an authorised telecom store.
Ignore suspicious calls that ask for personal information. According to Department of Telecommunications guidelines, genuine banking calls usually start with 1600, while marketing calls begin with 140. Fraudsters often use normal 10-digit mobile numbers or landlines.
Where to report suspicious calls
If you receive a suspicious call, report it immediately through the Sanchar Saathi app or website. You can also contact the cybercrime helpline at 1930. Prompt reporting helps authorities take action quickly and prevents others from falling victim to similar frauds.
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