A Noida woman has become the latest victim of a sophisticated eSIM scam, losing a staggering ₹27 lakh to cybercriminals. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in the digital world and the importance of staying vigilant against online scams.
The victim, Jyotsana Bhatia, a resident of Noida Sector 82, received a WhatsApp call from an individual claiming to be a customer care executive from a telecom company. This individual, in a cunning display of deception, informed her about a new eSIM feature that could be activated in case her phone was lost or stolen. Convinced by the persuasive nature of the call, Bhatia agreed to switch to an eSIM and, unfortunately, shared a code she received via text message with the scammer. The caller assured her that she would receive a physical SIM card within two to three days. However, this promise turned out to be a lie, and the woman’s life would be forever impacted by this seemingly harmless interaction.
Three days after deactivating her old SIM card, Bhatia had yet to receive her new SIM card. She called customer care and was instructed to visit a service center for a duplicate SIM. After retrieving the new SIM card, she received multiple messages informing her of money deductions from her bank account. A subsequent investigation revealed that the scammer had gained unauthorized access to her mobile banking application, siphoned funds from two accounts, and even secured a loan of ₹7.40 lakh in her name without her knowledge. The scammer also changed her email ID, further amplifying the extent of the damage inflicted on her.
The police have registered a case and launched an investigation to apprehend the criminals responsible for this egregious act of financial fraud.
What went wrong?
The victim’s unfortunate experience highlights several crucial red flags that she ignored. The initial WhatsApp call by a customer care executive should have raised suspicion, as telecom companies rarely engage in such practices. Furthermore, the lack of a physical SIM card after three days should have been a clear indication that something was amiss. The most critical mistake was sharing the OTP, which essentially provided the scammer with access to her accounts.
How to avoid eSIM card fraud?
To protect yourself from falling victim to eSIM scams, it’s crucial to exercise caution and vigilance when dealing with online communication. Here are some essential tips to consider:
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Verify the Identity:
Always verify the identity of anyone requesting sensitive information. Reputable companies will never ask for personal details or passwords through unsolicited calls or messages.*
Official Channels Only:
Switch to an eSIM only after reading the process from official website sources or by meeting a telecom executive in person at a service center. Avoid relying on information from unknown sources or individuals.*
Beware of Unsolicited Calls and Messages:
Be highly cautious of unsolicited calls or messages regarding new features or services, especially those received through platforms like WhatsApp.*
Regular Monitoring:
Regularly monitor your bank accounts and report any suspicious activity immediately. Enable alerts and notifications from your bank to stay informed about transactions.The unfortunate case of Jyotsana Bhatia serves as a cautionary tale for all individuals using online services and emphasizes the importance of staying informed and proactive in safeguarding personal information.
