TGCSB Alerts Public on Fake SIM Verification Scams

Fast Summary:

• The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) issued a public advisory warning against fraudulent practices involving fake Department of Telecommunications (DoT) SIM verification procedures.
• Fraudsters pose as bank executives offering premium credit cards and courier pre-configured mobile phones wiht fake bank stickers.
• Victims are targeted through smartphones that secretly install a hidden SMS forwarding app, diverting one-time passwords (OTPs) and SMS messages to the fraudsters.
• A recent case resulted in ₹77 lakh stolen from a victim’s account in less than 24 hours due to this method.
• TGCSB advised citizens not to accept unsolicited devices sent under DoT or banks’ names and urged direct verification of requests via official helplines.
• Sudden stoppage of SMS or OTP alerts is flagged as a potential indicator of financial security compromise.
• Suspicious activities should be reported immediately via the cybercrime helpline at 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The TGCSB advisory highlights alarming growth in refined phishing tactics targeting financial security. By exploiting trust in institutions like banks and official agencies,fraudsters are leveraging advanced methods such as pre-configured devices with covert apps to bypass traditional defenses. While awareness campaigns are crucial, India’s growing digital ecosystem requires enhanced public education on cybersecurity hygiene, along with stricter regulations around unsolicited gadget distributions impersonating established entities. Immediate reporting mechanisms like helpline numbers and portals provide relief but addressing systemic vulnerabilities remains critical for building citizens’ resilience against such threats.

Read more: Link