Hyderabad man loses Rs 1 lakh after scammers activate eSIM on his phone
A 30-year-old private sector employee from Hyderabad fell victim to a new online scam and was defrauded of over Rs 1 lakh. The fraudsters activated an unknown eSIM in his name without any OTP or authentication process, raising concerns about the evolving tactics of cybercriminals.
The Scam Incident
The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed for privacy reasons, received a message on WhatsApp from an unknown number. The message contained a link to an APK file named "customer support," which the sender claimed would assist in a new credit card application. Trusting the request, the victim installed the file on his phone.
Upon installation, the scammers obtained access to sensitive data on the victim's device. They coerced the victim into providing necessary details for a new credit card. Subsequently, the victim lost network connectivity, restricting his SMS and call services.
Exploiting the victim's phone details, the fraudsters activated an eSIM on another device using his number, bypassing the OTP requirement. By redirecting messages and calls to a different number, they could intercept financial transaction OTPs.
After swindling Rs 1,06,650 from the victim, he discovered the fraud upon regaining network access and reviewing his bank statements.
Tips for Protection
Guard yourself against similar scams with these essential tips:
- Avoid downloading APK files or software from unfamiliar sources, especially through messaging apps such as WhatsApp, as they might contain harmful malware.
- Always authenticate the identity of individuals or organizations seeking personal or financial details. Legitimate entities do not solicit sensitive information through insecure channels.
When engaging in new services like credit card applications, utilize official websites or physical branches. Refrain from clicking on message links to evade phishing sites aiming to steal your data.
