Indian government issues nationwide cyber fraud alert warning about sophisticated eSIM scams allowing fraudsters to hijack mobile numbers and drain bank accounts. The I4C has blocked over 3-4 lakh SIM cards as part of enhanced digital security measures.
Government Response to Rising eSIM Threats
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has issued a nationwide alert about a sophisticated eSIM scam targeting mobile users across the country. This warning follows a surge in high-tech financial scams where fraudsters successfully hijacked mobile numbers and bypassed security protocols such as One-Time Passwords (OTPs). The advisory has been distributed to law enforcement agencies, telecom providers, and financial institutions, highlighting the dangerous evolution in cybercrime that exploits eSIM technology for seamless mobile connectivity.
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How Fraudsters Execute the Attack
The scam begins with fraudsters calling unsuspecting users and pretending to assist with eSIM activation, then sending malicious links via SMS or email. Once victims click these links, their existing physical SIM is deactivated and a new eSIM is activated on the scammer’s device. This process causes victims to lose signal on their phones while scammers gain complete access to the victim’s mobile number. With control established, fraudsters can intercept banking OTPs, access UPI applications, and perform unauthorized financial transactions. In one documented case reported to I4C, fraudsters successfully withdrew Rs 4 lakh from a victim’s bank account despite the user’s ATM card and UPI credentials being deactivated.
Enhanced Detection and Blocking Measures
To combat these emerging threats, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has blocked over 3 to 4 lakh SIM cards found to be linked to fraudulent activities. A senior DoT official stated they are using AI-driven tools to identify suspicious mobile numbers and currently blocking 2,000 such numbers per day. These efforts are part of a broader government initiative to strengthen digital security infrastructure and curb rising incidents of financial fraud across the nation.
Safety Guidelines and Reporting Mechanisms
I4C has issued comprehensive safety guidelines urging citizens to ignore calls from unknown numbers, especially those offering help with eSIM activation or mobile services. Users are advised never to click suspicious links sent via SMS, WhatsApp, or email, and to avoid sharing personal details or OTPs over the phone. If phones suddenly lose signal, citizens should immediately treat it as a potential security breach and report to their bank and mobile service provider. For suspected fraud victims, authorities recommend calling the Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or filing complaints online at www.cybercrime.gov.in .