The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), established in January 2020 under the Ministry of Home Affairs, continues its efforts to fight against online crimes. In its latest advisory, the I4C has warned citizens about a rising threat called eSIM mobile fraud, which has already led to major financial losses in India.
How eSIM Scams Work
According to I4C, fraudsters trick people by pretending to be from legitimate institutions. They contact the victim and share an eSIM activation link. Once the victim clicks on the link, the request to switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM gets automatically approved. As a result, the victim’s physical SIM stops working, and they lose access to calls, messages, and most importantly, bank OTPs.
The scammers then use the victim’s phone number to receive all OTPs needed for financial transactions. Even if ATM and UPI services are disabled, fraudsters can still carry out unauthorized transfers. In one reported case, criminals managed to steal Rs. 4 lakhs using this technique.
Why eSIM Mobile Fraud is Dangerous
The reason this scam is so harmful is because once the eSIM is activated on the scammer’s device, the victim completely loses network access. Without realizing what has happened, they are cut off from crucial banking alerts and authentication codes. This allows scammers to carry out fraudulent transactions smoothly without immediate detection.
Tips from I4C to Stay Safe from eSIM Scams
The I4C has urged all citizens to remain alert while handling unknown calls and suspicious links. It strongly recommends that users should initiate eSIM conversion only through official telecom providers and avoid relying on any third-party assistance.
Another important step is to act quickly if your phone suddenly loses network connectivity. This could be a red flag that your SIM has been compromised. In such cases, you should immediately contact your bank and telecom operator to block unauthorized access and secure your accounts.
Government Action Against SIM-based Frauds
This warning from I4C comes shortly after the Department of Telecommunications’ Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) blacklisted nearly 4,00,000 SIM cards involved in scams. Using AI-based tools, the FRI continues to monitor and block high-risk numbers daily to reduce financial fraud cases across India.
Final Thoughts
The rise of eSIM mobile fraud shows how quickly cybercriminals adapt to new technologies. While digital tools offer convenience, they also open new doors for scams. Staying informed, being cautious about unknown links, and reporting suspicious activity immediately can go a long way in keeping your money and personal data safe.