Hyderabad:Cybercrime experts and investigators are urging citizens to remain vigilant after recent mock frauds have brought retired officials nearly 1 million rupees. SIM card exchange is a form of cybercrime where fraudsters control victims’ mobile phone numbers by fraudulently obtaining duplicate SIM cards.
Although it seems to be a new number, it works with the data of the original number. This allows scammers to receive OTP, bank alerts and access sensitive information, thereby taking full control of 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 nose officer at the telecom provider said: “The fraudsters are so skilled now that they don’t always need OTP. By exploiting technical vulnerabilities (usually with the unintentional help of victims), they send harmless links. When clicked, these links can harm victims’ links without knowledge.”
Shaik added that highlighting how the threat develops, “With cell phones associated with banks, Aadhaar and government services, SIM cards have actually become digital keys. Fraudsters are a step ahead, and people still don’t know how vulnerable they are.” He advised the public to avoid clicking on strange links received via email, text messages or WhatsApp and regularly monitor bank accounts and SMS activity.
A senior police officer stressed the importance of public awareness. “The fraudsters succeed because people don’t understand how these scams work. If you stay alert, you can stop them before causing any damage.
