The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has uncovered a new cybercrime method in which fraudsters exploit public trust in banks and government agencies by sending smartphones that appear to be “DoT-verified.”
The scam begins with a phone call from fraudsters posing as bank executives. They lure victims by offering a premium credit card with exclusive benefits, while insisting that the process requires Department of Telecommunications (DoT) verification. A few days later, victims receive a neatly packed smartphone delivered to their doorstep, complete with fake bank stickers to make it appear genuine.
According to TGCSB officials, these devices are preloaded with a hidden SMS-forwarding application. Once the victim inserts their SIM card, the app secretly diverts one-time passwords (OTPs) and banking-related text messages to the fraudsters. To make the device look legitimate, a fake “DoT Secure” icon is also displayed on the phone.
In one reported case, a Hyderabad resident lost Rs. 77 lakh within 24 hours of using the compromised phone. The victim realised something was wrong only after SMS alerts stopped arriving on his alternate SIM card.
Shikha Goel, Director of TGCSB, described the fraud as a dangerous new trend in cybercrime. “Fraudsters are hijacking OTPs and banking access by tricking people into inserting SIMs into compromised devices. Citizens must be extremely cautious,” she said.
She further advised, “Stay alert. Do not let fraudsters hijack your bank account by hijacking your SIM.”
Authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution, verify suspicious claims, and avoid inserting SIM cards into unknown devices to prevent falling victim to such advanced scams.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter |The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Whatsapp Channel | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Instagram
About us:
The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is a premier platform dedicated to delivering latest news, updates, and insights from the tech industry. With its strong foundation of intellectual property and thought leadership, the platform is well-positioned to stay ahead of the curve and lead conversations about how technology shapes our world. From its early days as CIO News to its rebranding as The Mainstream on November 28, 2024, it has been expanding its global reach, targeting key markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, the USA, and the UK. The Mainstream is a vision to put technology at the center of every conversation, inspiring professionals and organizations to embrace the future of tech.
