SIM Swap Scam: Beware! Missed calls can empty bank account; Here's how to protect your hard-earned money

SIM Swap Scam: In such scams, cybercriminals create a duplicate of your SIM card to access personal data and siphon money from your account.

Prateek Gautam Last Updated : 01 November 2023, 04:06 PM IST

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SIM Swap Scam:  In the ever-evolving landscape of scams, each new revelation seems more astonishing than the last. Scammers are exploiting innocent individuals under the guise of job opportunities, while others are draining bank accounts with a mere click on a dubious link.

Now, a fresh scam has surfaced that is bound to leave you utterly astounded. This nefarious scheme swiftly cleans out your account when you answer a call. A female lawyer from Delhi recently experienced this nightmare, losing a substantial sum of money.

Delhi Lawyer's Nightmare

A 35-year-old female lawyer from Delhi filed a complaint recounting her ordeal. She received three consecutive missed calls from the same number.

Despite ignoring these calls, she was eventually contacted by the caller, who claimed to be a delivery person seeking her address for a package delivery.

Alas, the moment this conversation began, money started disappearing from her bank account. Upon receiving notifications of these deductions, the lawyer promptly reported the issue to her bank and the cybercrime unit.

Cyber Officer's Perspective

The cybercrime investigator working on this case revealed that the victim never divulged any OTPs or bank-related information. Remarkably, she never even clicked on any suspicious links.

Despite the precautions, her money vanished after merely three missed calls, strongly indicating a SIM Swap Scam.

In such scams, cybercriminals create a duplicate of your SIM card to access personal data and siphon money from your account.

Phone Manipulation by Scammers

The investigation further disclosed that the cybercriminals exploited the lawyer's phone after acquiring her SIM.

In her phone's browsing history, a trail of unknown websites and links emerged.

Suspiciously, these sites contained phishing links and UPI registrations, indicating that the criminals utilised her SIM to access her data and execute the monetary theft.

Protecting Yourself from Scams

Cybersecurity experts have shared crucial tips to safeguard yourself from such scams:

1. React Swiftly: If your SIM card suddenly stops working, immediately inform your telecom provider to prevent SIM swapping.

2. Guard Personal Information: Refrain from sharing personal data on social media platforms as scammers can exploit it for malicious purposes.

3. Verify Callers: Exercise caution during phone conversations and avoid sharing sensitive information.

By staying informed and following these measures, you can shield yourself against these scams that prey on the unsuspecting.

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