SIM swap fraud is one of the fastest-growing cybercrimes in India. As more banking transactions, UPI payments, and financial logins depend on OTPs sent to mobile numbers, criminals are increasingly targeting SIM cards—not your bank account directly.

This makes SIM swap fraud extremely dangerous, because once the attacker gets control of your SIM, your OTPs, alerts, banking passwords, and UPI resets all go to them.

What Is SIM Swap Fraud?

A SIM swap happens when a fraudster tricks your mobile operator into issuing a duplicate SIM card for your number.
Once activated:

· Your original SIM stops working

· The criminal’s SIM starts receiving your calls, SMS, OTPs, and banking alerts

· Within minutes, they can reset your bank, UPI, email, and wallet passwords

It is considered one of the most sophisticated frauds because victims often don’t realize what happened until their money disappears.

How Criminals Carry Out a SIM Swap

Fraudsters use several methods:

✔ 1. Phishing & Fake customer Care Calls

They call pretending to be from:

· Your mobile operator

· Your bank

· KYC verification team

They ask for personal details like:

· Aadhaar

· DOB

· Address

· Last recharge

· OTP (!)

They then use this info to request a SIM replacement.

✔ 2. Fake KYC Messages / Links

Messages like:

· “Your SIM will be deactivated in 24 hours. Update KYC urgently.”

· “Your number has been flagged. Click here to verify.”

Clicking the link lets criminals collect your data.

✔ 3. Insider Collusion

Sometimes criminals bribe a mobile store employee to issue a duplicate SIM illegally.

✔ 4. SIM Cloning Tools

Rare but possible—technical tools duplicate SIM data when physical access is gained.

Signs That You Are a Victim of SIM Swap

These are red flags:

🚨 Sudden loss of network (no signal for more than 30 minutes)
🚨 Unable to make calls or receive SMS
🚨 UPI apps stop working
🚨 Strange bank notifications received earlier
🚨 Alerts from telecom operator about “SIM replacement request”

If this happens—act immediately (steps below).

Why SIM Swap Is Dangerous for Your bank Account

Once criminals control your SIM, they can:

· Receive all OTPs

· Reset banking passwords

· Change UPI PIN

· Access email linked to financial accounts

· Transfer money silently

Essentially—they become you, digitally.

How to Protect Yourself from SIM Swap Fraud

Here are essential security steps everyone must follow:

1. Set Up a SIM Lock / PIN

Every SIM card supports a SIM PIN.

When enabled, no one can use your SIM in another phone without the PIN.

Settings → Security → SIM Card Lock → Enable

2. Never Share OTPs, PINs or Personal Details

Even if the caller ID shows your bank/operator, do not share:

· OTP

· PIN

· Aadhaar

· PAN

· DOB

· Last recharge

· banking ID

Legitimate companies never ask for this.

3. Activate bank & UPI Alerts on Email

Even if your SIM is compromised, alerts on email help you respond faster.

4. Use Strong Passwords + 2-Factor Authentication

For:

· Email

· Banking

· UPI apps

· Social media

· Cloud accounts

Weak passwords make SIM swap damage worse.

5. Block Your SIM Immediately if Network Goes Off

If your SIM unexpectedly shows “No service,” act fast:

1. Use someone else’s phone

2. Call your operator’s helpline

3. Tell them: “STOP SIM REPLACEMENT IMMEDIATELY”

4. Block the number

5. Visit nearest service center with ID proof

Speed is crucial—fraudsters attack fast.

6. Secure Your Aadhaar & PAN

Don’t share these documents casually.

Fraudsters need your personal data to request a SIM replacement.

7. Use the Operator’s Official App

Apps like:

· MyJio

· Airtel Thanks

· Vi App

Show notifications of SIM replacement requests.
You can decline fraudulent requests on the app.

If You Suspect SIM Swap — Do This Immediately

Step 1: Call your mobile operator and block your SIM instantly

Step 2: Inform your bank and freeze wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital transactions

Step 3: Change passwords of email, UPI, and banking apps

Step 4: File a cybercrime report at:

🔗 www.cybercrime.gov.in

Step 5: Lodge a police complaint if money is stolen

Acting within 30 minutes can save your account.

Final Takeaway

SIM swap fraud is rising fast because it gives criminals complete control of your wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital identity.
But with strong awareness and a few precautions—
you can stop the fraud before it starts.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.