A Mumbai based woman has lost Rs 11 lakh in a sophisticated eSIM scam after cybercriminals tricked her into sharing a one time password. The fraudsters posed as telecom company employees and claimed her SIM card would soon be deactivated unless she upgraded to an e SIM for better connectivity. Within minutes of sharing the OTP, her mobile network stopped working and the money was withdrawn from her bank account.
According to the complaint, the criminals convinced her to migrate to an eSIM and asked for the OTP sent to her phone. Once she shared it, they remotely activated her mobile number on their own device using eSIM technology. As soon as the number was transferred, all banking alerts and transaction OTPs began reaching the fraudsters instead of the victim. They quickly transferred Rs. 11 lakh before she realised what had happened. She first noticed the fraud when her phone suddenly lost network connectivity. By the time she contacted her telecom operator, several unauthorised transactions had already been completed.
Cyber experts say this method is part of a growing trend known as SIM swapping or eSIM hijacking. Officials describe it as a “clean sweep” operation because once the number is taken over, attackers gain access to UPI apps, credit cards and net banking accounts in quick succession. Fraudsters often impersonate customer care executives, warn about KYC issues or promise better 5G performance. Victims are asked to click suspicious links, scan QR codes or share OTPs. The moment this information is given, the physical SIM is disabled and the number is activated on the attacker’s device.
The Ministry of Home Affairs cybercrime wing has flagged eSIM fraud as an emerging threat and urged citizens to stay alert. Experts stress that telecom companies never ask for OTPs over phone calls. Consumers should activate SIM change alerts with banks, avoid unknown links and QR codes, and treat sudden network loss as a warning sign. If mobile signal disappears unexpectedly, immediately call the telecom operator from another phone, dial 1930 and file a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in. Quick reporting can sometimes help freeze transactions before funds are permanently lost.
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