Crime
Bengaluru Techie Duped of Rs 2.8 Crore in Sophisticated SIM Swap Scam
A Bengaluru-based tech professional lost Rs 2.8 crore after falling victim to an elaborate SIM swap scam. The incident unfolded when the victim received a new mobile phone, purportedly as a gift, along with a new SIM card. Unaware of the malicious intent behind the gesture, the individual inserted the SIM into their phone, unwittingly setting the stage for the theft.
The scam, orchestrated by highly skilled cybercriminals, leveraged pre-installed applications on the gifted phone. These apps were programmed to intercept all incoming messages, including One-Time Passwords (OTPs), and forward them to the fraudsters. With unauthorized access to sensitive banking details, the criminals swiftly drained the victim’s account, including funds locked in fixed deposits.
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The techie discovered the massive fraud only after noticing suspicious account activity. By the time the breach was identified, a staggering Rs 2.8 crore had been siphoned off. A formal complaint has since been lodged at the Whitefield Central Police Station.
This incident underscores the growing sophistication of cybercriminals, who exploited advanced tactics to bypass security systems. Experts emphasize the need for vigilance, particularly when unsolicited devices or SIM cards are involved, as such scams rely on unsuspecting victims trusting seemingly harmless gifts.
Authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activities immediately and avoid using unknown or pre-configured devices. This case serves as a grim reminder of the ever-evolving threats in the digital landscape, even in tech hubs like Bengaluru.
