A recent investigation by the Department of Telecommunications has revealed a worrying surge in fraudulent mobile connections, with over 6.1 million numbers deactivated across India in just three months. Eastern Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a major hotspot, accounting for the highest share of fake SIM cards.
According to the department’s findings, nearly 3.2 million fake SIM cards were traced to western Uttar Pradesh, while another 1.6 million were found in the eastern part of the state. Investigators link these numbers to online scams, phishing operations and digital fraud networks, raising concerns about vulnerabilities in the telecom system that could impact financial security and even national safety.
Government launches digital safety tool
To tackle the threat, the government has introduced the Sanchar Saathi portal (sancharsaathi.gov.in) and a mobile app. Through this platform, users can check all mobile numbers registered under their name. By using the “Know My Mobile Connections” feature, citizens can identify unfamiliar numbers and report them for deactivation, preventing misuse of their identity.
Multiple SIM crackdown
The investigation also uncovered thousands of cases where individuals held more than nine SIM cards each. Authorities have ordered immediate verification for such cases, warning that any unverified numbers will be deactivated to break the chain of fraudulent networks often built using fake documents.
Expert concerns
Cybercrime expert Professor Triveni Singh warned: “SIM card fraud is not merely a local problem. It is a threat that cuts across personal financial safety and national security alike. Unless identity verification systems are made foolproof and strictly enforced, the risk will continue to grow.”
His warning reflects wider security concerns that fake SIMs provide an easy entry point for organised crime and cross-border threats.
How to check and report fake numbers:
- Visit the Sanchar Saathi portal — sancharsaathi.gov.in
- Open the Citizen Centric Services section
- Select “Know My Mobile Connections”
- Enter your 10-digit mobile number and captcha code
- Verify using the OTP sent to your phone
- Review the list of numbers registered in your name and report any that are unfamiliar
The rise of fake SIM cards in eastern Uttar Pradesh is a symptom of larger weaknesses in India’s telecom sector. While government measures mark progress, their success depends on citizens taking active steps to secure their digital identities. In today’s environment of growing cybercrime, even one fraudulent SIM card can drag an unsuspecting person into a web of scams — a reminder that digital security is both a personal duty and a state responsibility.
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.
