Digital Scam : Remember these special tips to stay safe from digital scams
In Brief
This is an easy way to identify a SIM Scam
Have funds been suddenly withdrawn from your bank account?
Remember special tips to stay safe from digital scams
In the digital world, the number of cybercriminals has increased significantly. Cybercriminals are finding new ways to deceive people. You must have heard about online shopping scams, job scams, loan scams, OTP scams, and investment scams by now. Through these scams, crores of rupees have been extorted from thousands of people. Therefore, people are currently becoming cautious about these scams.
SIM Swap Scam
Scammers have recently discovered a new scam called SIM swap to deceive people. There has been a significant increase in incidents of this scam. In this scam, scammers gain complete control over your mobile number. Imagine waking up in the morning and not receiving any calls, no messages, the phone network suddenly disappears... then you receive an email stating that all the money has been withdrawn from your bank account... what then? If such an incident happens to you, understand that you have fallen victim to a SIM swap scam.
Request for a New SIM Card
In this scam, cybercriminals first collect your information such as name, address, date of birth, or Aadhaar number. This data is gathered with the help of phishing emails, fake websites, or leaked databases. Then, the scammers contact your mobile network operator and request a new SIM card, pretending to be you. When the company activates the new SIM for your mobile number, the old SIM automatically gets deactivated. In this way, the scammers receive a new SIM for your mobile number.
Your mobile number's SIM in the hands of scammers
Now scammers can easily intercept messages, OTPs, and bank alerts coming to your phone. The most important thing for online account security is the OTP. When scammers get hold of your mobile number's SIM, they can easily obtain this OTP. Additionally, they can change your bank account password and even hack your email. As a result, your bank account can be emptied in just a few moments.
Contact the mobile operator
If suddenly the network in your phone disappears, or calls and messages stop coming, or you receive a password reset notification, be cautious. This is a warning sign. Often you receive a message that your SIM has been activated on another device, which clearly indicates that your number is in someone else's possession. In such a situation, first contact your mobile operator.
Stay Safe
For your security, set a PIN or password on your mobile account to prevent anyone from SIM swapping. Use Google Authenticator for factor authentication instead of SMS, ensuring your OTP remains secure. Avoid sharing your personal information on social media. Always monitor your bank and email account activities, and if the network suddenly disappears, immediately inform your mobile network provider.