Lucknow: A suspected SIM swap (SIM hijacking) fraud has come to light in Lucknow, where cyber criminals allegedly siphoned off nearly Rs 4.5 lakh from two bank accounts after mobile SIM suddenly stopped working.The fraud remained undetected for over two weeks as the victim received neither transaction alerts nor OTP messages. Mohanlalganj police have registered a case and launched an investigation.The complainant informed the police that he was on a pilgrimage to Haridwar on June 3 when he received a call from an unidentified person claiming that an OTP had been sent to his mobile number and warning that his SIM card would be deactivated if the OTP was not shared.He, however, refused to disclose the OTP.Shortly afterwards, his mobile SIM stopped functioning. The complainant alleged that cyber fraudsters subsequently gained control of his mobile number and accessed two of his bank accounts in Mohanlalganj branch.Between June 5 and June 21, the accused allegedly carried out multiple unauthorised transactions, withdrawing around Rs 4.5 lakh from the accounts. Since the SIM was no longer operational, the complainant did not receive any SMS alerts or OTPs related to the transactions.The fraud came to light only after he obtained his bank statements. He lodged a complaint at Mohanlalganj police station, following which police lodged an FIR. Investigators are now examining the bank accounts, transaction trail and the circumstances under which the SIM was allegedly taken over.HOW IT WORKS-Fraudsters obtain mobile number and personal details-They trick the victim into sharing an OTP or impersonate SIM card holder to activate a duplicate SIM-Once the new SIM is activated, the original SIM stops working-All calls, SMSs and OTPs are redirected to the fraudsters’ SIM-Criminals use intercepted OTPs to access bank accounts, UPI apps, email and other online accounts-Money is transferred or withdrawn without the victim receiving transaction alertsWarning signs-Mobile network disappears or SIM shows ‘No Service’ for no apparent reason-Unable to make calls, send messages or use mobile data-OTPs and bank alerts stop arriving-Unauthorised banking or UPI transactions are detected laterWhat to do-Contact your telecom operator from another SIM and ask if your SIM has been swapped or replaced-Block your bank accounts/cards and inform the bank’s fraud helpline-Change passwords for banking, email and UPI accounts-Report the fraud immediately on the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal-Lodge an FIR with local police or cyber police station
