
News India Live, Digital Desk: New Trend of Cyber Crime: Our smartphone is now not just a means of calling, but our entire digital world. From bank account to social media, everything is reduced to this. But do you know, criminals can now take advantage of our need and make you pauper in a moment? A new dangerous way has come to light, where a ‘very common message’ coming on your mobile can be overwhelming you – and your hard earned money can disappear as soon as you blink!
Police and cyber experts are constantly warning people. Now cyber robbers are doing a very vicious trick to reach your phone number and all sensitive information related to it: Sim Swap Scam,
What is sim swap scam? How does it work?
SIM Swap Scam, ie, display your existing SIM card, activate a new SIM on the same number. Think, if you have your number today, tomorrow if you start walking in a criminal’s phone? These criminals do this:
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Collect your information: Criminals first get your personal information (name, address, phone number, some part of bank details). These information can often be obtained from fishing email, malware or public data leaks.
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Activation from fake identification: Using this information, they contact the customer care center of the mobile operator (Airtel, Jio, Vodafone etc.). They claim your identity, saying that their old SIM is lost or damaged, and they want a new SIM card on the same number.
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Checking and fraud: If the criminals manage to convince the operator, the company deactivates your old SIM and gives a new SIM to the culprit.
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What will happen towards you? The sim card in your phone will stop working! You will feel as if ‘there is no network’ or ‘SIM has shut down’.
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Looter will create orgy: Once the criminal gets a new SIM of your number, they have the power to get calls and SMS from your number. They can easily access your bank account, UPI apps, and online wallets through ‘OTP’ or ‘Reset Password’. They can blow lakhs of rupees from your account in the blink of an eye by putting OTP.
Be ‘alert’ immediately on such messages!
If any such message comes on your phone:
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“Your SIM card has been closed.” (Your sim card has been deactivated.)
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“Your SIM services have been temporarily stopped.” (Your Sim services have been temporary suspended.)
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“Your number is being activated on a new device.” (Your number is being activated on a new device.)
And with this, if the network of your phone goes, then it is a bell of danger!
What to do if you feel that you are a victim of ‘SIM Swap’?
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Contact the mobile operator immediately: Call your mobile operator’s customer care from any other number (or from friend/family number) and tell them about this suspicious activity. Get your SIM blocked immediately.
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Alert your bank: Check all your bank accounts. If there is an unusual activity, inform your bank immediately and get the accounts blocked.
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Inform the police and cyber cell: As soon as possible, lodge a complaint with a cyber crime cell or nearby police station.
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Caution:
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Do not click on an unknown link or message.
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Never share your personal data (especially bank details, Aadhaar, PAN) with anyone on the phone.
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Avoid banking or sensitive transactions on cyber cafes or public wifi.
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Keep SMS alert activated on your mobile and bank accounts.
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The biggest weapon is to be aware to save yourself and your family from this new Digital Loot! Be careful, be safe
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