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A wave of SIM‑swap scams is circulating across Uttarakhand, with fraudsters impersonating telecom employees and using automated voice messages to trick phone users into surrendering control of their mobile numbers. The Cyber Crime unit has warned that this latest tactic can result in full access to banking accounts via OTP hijacking.
“Your Number Will Be Switched Off” – A Voice Trick to Trap Users
Victims report receiving calls from computerised voices masquerading as telecom support—often posing as BSNL—warning them that their phone lines will be disconnected. The message urges them to “press 1” immediately to prevent service disruption. As soon as targets comply, criminals initiate the SIM‑swap process, effectively transferring the number to a SIM card in their own possession. From that point, they can intercept OTPs, gain banking access, and siphon off funds.
In one near-miss incident, a Haldwani resident immediately hung up after hearing the message. Cyber‑Crime Station Officer Sumit Pandey advised: “Do not respond to such calls or share any OTP. If you suspect unauthorised activity, verify by visiting your provider’s official website or contacting them through a known helpline.”
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Avoiding SIM-Swap — Verification & Vigilance Are Key
India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and telecom regulators have emphasised that genuine service providers do not mandate mid-call keypad confirmation to avert disconnection. Users receiving such prompts should immediately report these incidents to their operator and local police, especially as cyber crooks now use the calls to trigger fraudulent SIM change requests. Investigators warn that following the automated reply, criminals can make a duplicate SIM active within minutes.
Authorities recommend always verifying any calls about service disruptions by independently reaching out to your carrier. Under no circumstances should you disclose OTPs or KYC details. If your number suddenly loses service without official change requests, contact the police cyber cells and your provider promptly.
About the Author – Anirudh Mittal is a B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) student at National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, with a keen interest in corporate law and tech-driven legal change
