5,300 Indian SIMs Used In Overseas Cyber Scams: How To Stay Safe

SIM card fraud is becoming a major cyber security concern these days with scammers increasingly misusing mobile numbers to carry out financial and digital scams. Since mobile numbers are linked to banking, payments and online accounts, their misuse can expose users to significant monetary and data risks.

In a recent development, the Enforcement Directorate recently busted a network in Rajasthan in which Indian SIM cards were allegedly operated from Cambodia to carry out cyber frauds across India. The agency identified around 36,000 active Indian SIM cards operating from Cambodia, of which nearly 5,300 were allegedly linked to cyber fraud cases across India involving losses worth a few hundred crore rupees.

The fraud came to light after the ED launched an investigation based on an FIR registered by the Cyber Police Station, DCP (Crime), Jodhpur. The case involved allegations of SIM card misuse by certain point-of-sale (POS) vendors. The probe revealed that some vendors allegedly activated mobile connections using fraudulent methods and supplied them to Malaysian nationals. These SIM cards were later operated from Cambodia and allegedly used to carry out cyber frauds targeting people across different states in India.

The ED said its investigation found that thousands of Indian mobile numbers were fraudulently activated and subsequently used to make WhatsApp calls linked to cyber fraud operations.

Investigations also revealed that several vendors allegedly targeted less educated and vulnerable individuals under the pretext of issuing new SIM cards or helping them port their existing mobile numbers. During the process, additional SIM cards were allegedly activated without the knowledge of the customers and later supplied to overseas operators in exchange for commissions.

The ED also arrested a few individuals in connection with the case, according to a report by news agency ANI. The arrested include Rahul Kumar Jha, Mohammad Sharif, Sandeep Bhatt, Prakash Bheel, Ramavatar Rathi, Hareesh Malakar, and Hemant Panwar. According to the ED, Rahul Kumar Jha and his associates allegedly played a key role in supplying the SIM cards to Malaysian nationals.

During the searches, officials also identified 30 bank accounts and seized documents and other material believed to be linked to the alleged fraud network.

How Consumers Can Stay Safe

This case has once again highlighted the need for people to stay alert about the use of mobile numbers. One should exercise utmost caution while sharing personal details, such as Aadhaar, OTPs or other information related to verification. Users must also regularly check their SIM cards and mobile numbers linked to their identity documents and report any suspicious connections to their telecom operator immediately.