How is fraud happening through eSIM? Know the way to avoid fraud

The Government of India has advised mobile users to be cautious about eSIM fraud. Fraudsters convert a physical SIM into eSIM by sending fake links and then withdraw money from the account by getting a bank OTP.

The Government of India has issued an alert to mobile users across the country against a new and dangerous eSIM fraud. The Indian Cyber ​​Crime Coordination Center, a unit of the Home Ministry, has warned that in this scam, fraudsters are stealing money from people's bank accounts without entering OTP or ATM details. Recently, a user's account was defrauded of Rs 4 lakh using this technique. In such a situation, let us tell you today how fraud is happening through eSIM and what is the way to avoid such fraud.

How do they commit fraud?

According to the Indian Cyber ​​Crime Coordination Center, scammers first call a user and then send him a fake link for eSIM activation. As soon as any person clicks on this link, his physical SIM is converted into eSIM. After this, the signals of the real SIM are lost and the user stops receiving calls and SMS. After this process, all OTPs and messages related to banking start going to the fraudsters' device. In this way, they easily transfer money from the victim's account.

Government warning

For the fraud happening regarding eSIM, the government has said that in such cases, even after disabling the ATM card of the users or blocking the UPI account, the fraudsters withdraw money from the account by obtaining OTP. This is the reason why an advisory has been issued to all agencies and stakeholders regarding this fraud.

Way to avoid fraud

I4C has given many suggestions to the users to avoid eSIM fraud. According to I4C, people should avoid clicking on any suspicious link. Apart from this, for eSIM conversion, use only your telecom company's app or website. On the other hand, if the network suddenly disappears in the phone, then immediately contact the bank and mobile service provider.

How to complain?

If someone becomes a victim of such fraud, then he can immediately complain by calling the helpline number 1930. Apart from this, a report can also be made by visiting cybercrime.gov.in.