SIM Swap Fraud in Mumbai: ₹7.5 Crore Lost – Here’s What You Should Know

Byadmin

A steel trading company in Mumbai recently lost ₹7.5 crore in a fraud case. The company had no idea that something as simple as their mobile number could be misused. The fraud happened through a trick known as SIM swap, where the mobile number linked to the company’s bank account was hijacked. The scam took place in December 2024 and made headlines across India.

Cyber fraud is not only affecting individuals but also big companies. This blog explains the whole case in simple words so that you and your family don’t fall into such traps.

What Is a SIM Swap?

SIM swap is when someone manages to get control of your mobile number by tricking the mobile service provider. Once they get your number on a new SIM card, they start receiving your calls and messages. This includes one-time passwords (OTPs) from your bank.

Now think about it—if someone has your OTPs, they can access your bank account. That’s exactly what happened in this case. The scammer used this method to move money from the company’s bank account to other accounts.

What Happened in the Mumbai Case?

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of what happened:

  1. Fake Documents Used: The scammer used fake identity documents and asked the mobile company to give them a new SIM card for the company’s number.
  2. SIM Swap Done: The original SIM card stopped working. The new SIM started receiving all the calls and SMS meant for the company.
  3. Access to Bank Account: The scammer got OTPs and was able to do online banking without any trouble.
  4. Money Stolen in Hours: In just a few hours, more than 80 transactions were done. Over ₹7.5 crore was transferred to different bank accounts.

Quick Action Helped Save Some Money

As soon as the company noticed the fraud, they informed the cybercrime helpline (1930) and filed a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

Thanks to this fast action, cyber police and the bank were able to freeze ₹4.65 crore. This was a big help, but the remaining ₹3 crore was already gone.

This case shows how quick reporting can make a difference.

What Can We Learn From This?

SIM swap fraud is not just a big company issue. It can happen to anyone who uses digital banking. Here are some simple lessons:

1. Always Keep an Eye on Network Issues

If your mobile suddenly loses network signal and it doesn’t come back, don’t wait. Contact your mobile company immediately. It could be a sign of a SIM swap.

2. Add a Security PIN for Your SIM

Ask your mobile service provider if they can add a PIN or password to your mobile account. This makes it harder for scammers to request a new SIM.

3. Don’t Share Personal Info Over Calls

Many people get fake calls asking for Aadhaar, PAN, or OTPs. Never share these details over the phone or through messages.

4. Use Bank Apps With App-Based OTPs

Some banking apps allow you to use an app-generated OTP instead of SMS. This can stop fraud even if your SIM is hijacked.

5. Check Bank Messages Often

Don’t ignore bank alerts. A quick glance could save you from a big loss.

Use Portal Chakshu to Report Fraud

Portal Chakshu is a platform started by the Department of Telecommunications under the Government of India. It helps you report calls, SMS, or WhatsApp messages that seem like scams.

You can use Portal Chakshu to report:

  • Fake messages asking for personal info
  • Calls pretending to be from your bank
  • Links that lead to fake banking pages
  • Any WhatsApp message that looks fishy

Reporting on this portal is very easy and takes just a few minutes.

How to Report a Fraud Using Portal Chakshu?

  1. Go to Portal Chakshu
  2. Click on “Report Suspected Fraud Communication”
  3. Fill in details like mobile number, date, and the type of message or call
  4. Attach a screenshot or audio recording if you have one
  5. Submit your report using OTP verification

Once reported, the information is shared with the right authorities for further action.

SIM Swap Can Happen to Anyone

We often think big scams happen only to big businesses. But even a common mobile user can fall victim to SIM swap. With your mobile number, fraudsters can get into your email, UPI apps, bank accounts, and more.

That’s why it’s important to be alert and act fast. Keep a check on your mobile signal and never share your personal details or OTPs with anyone.

What To Do If You Become a Victim?

If you think your SIM has been swapped or your mobile number is being misused:

  • Call your mobile company and get your number blocked
  • Inform your bank immediately and freeze your account
  • Call the cyber helpline 1930
  • Report the issue on Portal Chakshu

The faster you act, the better your chances of saving your money.

Final Words

The ₹7.5 crore SIM swap fraud in Mumbai is a warning for all of us. Your mobile number is not just a number—it is linked to your bank, email, and other important services. Losing control of it even for a few hours can lead to big losses.

Take small steps to keep your number safe. Use Portal Chakshu to report anything that feels wrong. And remember, alertness is the best way to fight fraud.

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