Beware of SIM Swap Scams: Experts

Hyderabad:In the wake of a recent SIM-swapping fraud that cost a retired officer nearly Rs 10 lakh, cybercrime experts and investigators are urging citizens to remain vigilant. SIM swapping is a form of cybercrime where fraudsters gain control of a victim’s mobile phone number by fraudulently obtaining a duplicate SIM card.

Though it appears to be a new number, it functions with the original number’s data. This allows scammers to receive OTPs, banking alerts and access sensitive information, giving them full control over the victim’s financial and personal data.

Cybercrime researcher Sultan Shaik explained, “The scam usually begins with fraudsters collecting personal details through phishing messages, leaked data or social engineering. With this information, they contact the victim’s mobile service provider and trick them into issuing a new SIM card by citing reasons like SIM blocking or expired validity. Once the new SIM is activated, the original one stops working. All calls, SMS alerts and OTPs are then routed to the scammers.”

A nodal officer from a telecom provider said, “Fraudsters are now so skilled they do not always need OTPs. By exploiting technical loopholes—and often with the victim’s unintentional help — they send harmless-looking links. When clicked, these links compromise the victim’s data without their knowledge.”

Highlighting how the threat is evolving, Shaik added, “With mobile phones linked to banking, Aadhaar and government services, SIM cards have effectively become digital keys. Fraudsters are staying one step ahead, while people remain unaware of how vulnerable they are.” He advised the public to avoid clicking on unfamiliar links received through email, SMS or WhatsApp, and to monitor both bank accounts and SMS activity regularly.

A senior police official stressed the importance of public awareness. “Fraudsters succeed because people do not understand how these scams work. If you stay alert, you can stop them before any damage is done. The moment someone suspects their SIM is compromised, they must immediately block their number.”