In this age when your mobile number is being used for many things especially banking services, fraudsters have found a new way dupe innocent people using their mobile numbers.
Known as SIM swap fraud, in this method fraudsters manage to get a new SIM card issued against your registered mobile number through the mobile service provider. With the help of this new SIM card, they get One Time Password (OTP) and alerts, required for making financial transactions through your bank account.
As explained by HDFC bank, fraudsters first gather customer’s personal information through phishing, vishing, smishing or any other means. They then approach the mobile operator and get the SIM blocked. After this, they visit the mobile operator’s retail outlet with the fake ID proof, posing as the customer.
The mobile operator deactivates the genuine SIM card and issues a new one to the fraudster. Fraudster then generates One Time Password (OTP) required to facilitate transactions, using the stolen banking information. This OTP is received on the new SIM held by the fraudster.
How to protect yourself from SIM swap fraud
If your mobile number has stopped working for a longer than usual period, enquire with your mobile operator to make sure you haven’t fallen victim to the scam. Also register for SMS and Email Alerts to stay informed about the activities in your bank account. Also, regularly check your bank statements and transaction history for any irregularities.
Issued by: HDFC