The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has issued a warning about a new and highly sophisticated digital scam that leverages fake eSIM activation to commit financial fraud. Unlike traditional methods of cybercrime that require OTPs or ATM PINs, this scheme enables criminals to bypass such checks entirely, making it one of the most dangerous fraud tactics currently emerging.
Authorities revealed that the scam typically begins with fraudsters making calls to potential victims, convincing them to click on a deceptive eSIM activation link. Once the user follows through, the individual’s physical SIM card is disabled and the number is seamlessly transferred to an eSIM-enabled device controlled by the attacker. This maneuver effectively gives the fraudster complete control over the victim’s mobile number, allowing them to intercept bank OTPs and authorize financial transactions without the user’s knowledge. In one case under investigation, close to ₹4 lakh was illegally withdrawn from an account using this method.
The fraud takes advantage of the rising adoption of eSIM technology, which has been promoted as a convenient alternative to physical SIM cards since it allows remote provisioning. However, the same convenience has created a new opportunity for exploitation by cybercriminals. By seizing control of a victim’s number, scammers gain access to digital banking and payment systems with alarming ease.
<
[…]
Content was cut in order to protect the source.Please visit the source for the rest of the article.
This article has been indexed from CySecurity News – Latest Information Security and Hacking Incidents
Read the original article: