Beware of eSim Swapping Fraud, How to Remain Safe?

A new type of fraud has emerged after the curation of E-Sim. Some Telecom companies have started provided virtual sim card which no longer requires physical chip in it. Many users in fact use these services to have an extra cell number. Companies like Samsung and Apple also promote E-SIM. Since many of us are now aware and not usually get into UPI frauds. The fraudster has found another way to steal money from your bank account. Let us know what is this fraud and how to provide such incidents.

What is E-SIM/Virtual SIM?

An embedded-SIM (eSIM) or embedded universal microcircuit card (eUICC) may be a sort of programmable SIM card that’s embedded directly into a tool.

In system to system applications where there’s no requirement to vary the SIM card, this avoids the need for a connector, improving reliability and security. An eSIM is often provisioned remotely; end-users can add or remove operators without the necessity to physically swap a SIM from the device.

WHY SIM SWAPPING ?

Today most of our work including our bank accounts are linked to our mobile number. Bank servers use your mobile number to authenticate it to you when making any transaction. Getting control over your mobile number means getting control over your bank account. If one gets control over your mobile number they can steal as much money they want from your account.

How SIM Swapping works?

We have observed a series of similar events and have found out a common pattern a fraudster follows. Here is the step which scammers use to perform sim/e-sim swapping.

1. They call you impersonating customer care executive from your telecom provider and ask for verification details like name, address, Phone Number, Last few phone calls, Frequent contacts, etc.
2. The moment you give these details you’re over. The Fraudster will now impersonate you and get in contact with the actual customer care executives and complaint about the sim lost.
3. The customer care executive usually ask for verification details or KYC details
4. The Fraudster will now have access to an Esim of your number.
5. He has now control over all your bank accounts in which the number is associated with, The fraudster even has access to your social media account which we believe is a bigger threat for the new generation.

Symptoms you’ve been scammed

1. Unable to make calls/messages.
2. You’re notified of activity elsewhere.
3. Social Media accounts been compromised.
4. Unable to receive top verification codes.
5. Unable to access any of the accounts.
6. Login credentials have been compromised.

What to do when you’re scammed?

1. Report to the bank and ask them to block OTP verification.
2. Lodge a complaint in the cyber cell department of the Indian Police.
3. Contact with the cellular service provider,
4. Remove your mobile number from the social media account.

How to protect yourself from such scams?

1. Beware of phishing emails and calls
2. Set a separate passcode or PIN for all your bank accounts.
3. Never link all your accounts to a single cell number.
4. Never provide any personal details to anyone.

There are more than 500 unique cases of these crimes only in Maharashtra during this pandemic period as per the official data of Mumbai police. Beware of such scams and be safe.