How to Protect from SIM Swap Fraud: Here’s An Advisory from E&IT Dept

Bhubaneswar: The SIM swap fraud is one of the latest forms of online frauds that can put one’s personal identification, data and bank accounts at threat. The cases of SIM swap scams are rising across the country causing many people to lose substantial amounts from their bank accounts to the scammers.

In order to safeguard the people from this new form of digital fraud, the Electronics & Information Technology Department, Government of Odisha, has issued an advisory on SIM Swap fraud.

The E&IT Department said that hackers trick service providers to issue a duplicate SIM card by impersonating a user following which they get control over the phone number.

The Department said that by adopting proper precautionary measures, people can protect their data and identity. It has urged the people to alert police and mobile service provider if there is no service/signal, bulk notifications that look suspicious.

Here is the advisory:

How it is done:

• Fraudsters gain access to victim’s phone.
• They get personal info of a potential target via phishing (fake mails), vishing (fraudulent calls) and smishing (fake messages).
• Personal info used to create fake ID, impersonate the victim.
• Telecom service provider tricked to issue a duplicate SIM card.

How to prevent:

• Alert police and mobile service provider if there is no service/signal, bulk notifications that look suspicious.
• If you are unable to access personal accounts.
• Don’t share OTPs or personal details and use stronger passwords.
• Any text, weblink and email should be thoroughly checked.