New Delhi News Desk, It has become more important now than ever to avoid the new tricks of cyber criminals. Scams related to mobile numbers are increasing rapidly these days, the most dangerous method of which is SIM swapping and e-SIM fraud. The recent incidents in Noida and Mumbai have further highlighted this danger.

How does this scam happen?

Cybercriminals usually take control of your mobile number through SIM swapping or e-SIM activation fraud. For this, they call or message themselves posing as a representative of the mobile network provider. By luring the user, they obtain an OTP, through which they activate the SIM in their device. After this, they gain access to banking apps, UPI and other digital services, which can lead to fraud of lakhs of rupees.

Noida incident: One call emptied bank accounts

This is what happened with Noida resident Jyotsna. She received an unknown WhatsApp call from a person who claimed to be an official of her telecom provider. The person told her about a fake offer related to e-SIM and asked her to share an OTP. Jyotsna shared this OTP without thinking much. Three days later, when her SIM became completely inactive, she became suspicious. When she contacted her mobile operator, she was advised to get a duplicate SIM issued. But by then it was too late. When her number was activated again, she was shocked to read a message from the bank—

• His fixed deposit was over.
• All the money had disappeared from their bank accounts.
• A car loan of Rs 7.40 lakh had been taken in his name.

She immediately rushed to the police station, but the cyber criminals had transferred the money so quickly that it was impossible to retrieve it.

Mumbai businessman duped of Rs 7.5 crore

In another case, Rs 7.5 crore disappeared from the bank account of a Mumbai businessman. The criminals misled the telecom operator into activating a new SIM and got access to his bank's one-time password (OTP). Through this, they withdrew the entire money from the account. However, the businessman's alertness worked in this case. He immediately called the cyber crime helpline 1930 and reported the incident. The authorities acted swiftly and succeeded in seizing Rs 4.65 crore before the criminals could transfer the entire amount abroad.

What is SIM swap fraud?

In SIM swapping or SIM card cloning, cyber criminals take control of a person's mobile number. This process works like this—

1. Cyber ​​criminals gather information about the victim – through social media or data leaks they collect phone numbers, banking details and personal information.
2. Mislead the telecom company – They call the telecom provider posing as the customer and get a duplicate SIM card issued.
3. They access the OTP – As soon as the new SIM is activated, the services of the old SIM stop and the criminals access the OTP and withdraw money from the bank account.

How to avoid such cyber frauds?

Cyber ​​security expert Tushar Sharma says, "Cyber ​​criminals are constantly devising new ways. Awareness and vigilance is the best way to avoid them." You can avoid such scams by taking the following precautions—

✅ Do not share OTP with any unknown caller.

✅ Contact the official customer care of the telecom company for e-SIM or SIM swap.

✅ If your network suddenly shuts down and you do not receive any calls or messages, contact your operator immediately.

✅ Activate two-step security (2FA) in your bank accounts.

✅ Be aware of the cyber crime helpline number 1930 and reporting portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in).

In today's digital age, mobile number is directly linked to your digital identity and financial security. In such a situation, if someone takes possession of your number, then your entire financial condition can be in danger. That is why be alert, do not trust any suspicious call or message and give priority to your digital security.