Mangaluru man gets call about SIM card misuse; one mistake makes him lose Rs 2,07,04,600 in a few weeks — How to Identify & Stay Safe

INDIA — By BharatSecure Threat Intelligence Team · Updated May 11, 2026

Severity: CRITICAL | View Full Scam Details

Mangaluru SIM Card Misuse Scam 2026: How One Call Made a Man Lose Rs 2.07 Crore

A shocking scam in Mangaluru shows how a single call pretending to be from law enforcement led a man to lose over Rs 2 crore in just weeks — a critical warning for all Indian internet users in 2026.

What Is the Mangaluru Man’s SIM Card Misuse Scam?

This scam targets mobile phone users across India, especially senior citizens and anyone with active SIM cards linked to Aadhaar, UPI, and banking apps. In 2026, a 61-year-old man from Mangaluru received a phone call claiming his SIM card was involved in criminal activities, creating panic and confusion. The scammers impersonated government agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Enforcement Directorate, convincing him that urgent action was needed to avoid arrest.

Such SIM-related scams have been rising steadily with increased digital dependency in India. Fraudsters use stolen data from social media, leaked data sets, or phishing to get contact details and prey on victims through fear or urgency. CERT-In (Computer Emergency Response Team of India) and the Indian government’s cybercrime cell I4C (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre) have issued multiple alerts about SIM swap frauds and impersonation scams targeting mobile users nationwide.

The use of UPI apps linked to SIM cards amplifies the risk, as fraudsters aim to transfer funds quickly before victims realize what has happened. This scam highlights the growing importance of SIM security and cautious handling of any calls claiming legal trouble.

How This Scam Works — Step by Step

1. Initial Contact by Call: The scam begins with a call from fraudsters impersonating officials from reputed agencies such as NIA, CBI, or Enforcement Directorate. They claim the victim’s SIM card was used in a crime, like fraud or money laundering.

2. Creating Urgency and Fear: The caller warns that immediate action is required to avoid arrest or legal trouble. They pressure the victim not to inform family or friends, increasing isolation.

3. Request for Personal Details: The scammer asks the victim to confirm personal information — full name, Aadhaar number, date of birth, and sometimes OTPs (one-time-passwords).

4. SIM Swap or OTP Theft: Using the information, fraudsters request the victim’s mobile operator (via fake customer identity or bribery) to issue a new SIM card. Or, they manipulate the victim into sharing OTPs sent for banking or UPI transactions.

5. Unauthorized Transactions: Once the fraudsters control the SIM or have OTPs, they initiate transfers from the victim’s bank accounts, often using UPI apps like Google Pay or PhonePe, draining accounts rapidly.

6. False Promises and Continued Manipulation: The scammer convinces the victim to send money repeatedly, claiming more payments are needed to “clear the case” or “release funds” frozen by authorities.

7. Loss Realized Too Late: After weeks, the victim discovers massive financial loss — in the Mangaluru case, over Rs 2 crore — often after the scammer disappears or blocks contact.

Real Warning Signs to Watch For

• Calls demanding urgent payment or threatening arrest with little explanation.
• Requests for OTP, Aadhaar details, or bank credentials over phone.
• Asking victims to keep the call a secret from family or friends.
• Caller ID showing official-sounding agency names but not matching known helpline numbers.
• Sudden SIM service disruptions or loss of network signal.
• Requests for downloading unknown apps or forwarding links.
• Demands to transfer money repeatedly without official documentation.

What Happens to Victims

Victims suffer huge financial losses often beyond recovery due to the speed and sophistication of these scams. In India, UPI transactions are instant and can’t be reversed by banks, making funds irretrievable once transferred to fraudsters. Aadhaar misuse can also lead to identity theft and further scams after.

The emotional impact includes trauma, fear of legal consequences despite innocence, and loss of trust in digital services. Many victims hesitate to report due to shame or confusion over what happened. The scam destroys financial security and often disrupts victims’ access to essential services linked to their mobile number and Aadhaar.

What RBI and CERT-In Say

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) emphasizes never sharing OTPs, PINs, or passwords with anyone — including callers claiming to be officials. RBI’s helpline and advisory pages stress vigilance against phishing and SIM swap fraud. CERT-In repeatedly alerts citizens to avoid disclosing sensitive information to unsolicited calls or SMS.

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) advises immediately reporting suspicious calls, monitoring bank transactions via mobile banking apps or SMS alerts, and enabling two-factor authentication on digital accounts. They also recommend verifying calls by contacting official agency helpline numbers listed on government websites.

Victims can call the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 to report incidents and seek guidance.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Never Share OTPs or PINs — No legitimate agency asks for these over calls or messages.
2. Verify Caller Identity — Hang up and call official agency numbers independently.
3. Register for ‘DND’ (Do Not Disturb) to block marketing/spam calls.
4. Avoid Sharing Aadhaar or Bank Details on calls or non-secure channels.
5. Enable SIM Lock and PIN on Your Mobile Number through your telecom provider.
6. Monitor Your Mobile Network — sudden loss of network might indicate SIM swap.
7. Regularly Check Bank and UPI Transactions for suspicious activity.

What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted

1. Immediately Contact Your Mobile Provider to block or deactivate the SIM.
2. Freeze Bank Accounts by informing your bank about unauthorized transactions.
3. File a Complaint on cybercrime.gov.in, and report to the local cybercrime police.
4. Call the National Cybercrime Helpline at 1930 for guidance on next steps.
5. Inform UIDAI if Aadhaar Details Are Misused to protect your identity.
6. Change All Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication on your digital accounts.
7. Keep All Evidence like call recordings, message screenshots, or transaction alerts ready to assist investigations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can banks reverse UPI transactions made fraudulently?
A: Generally, instant UPI transactions cannot be reversed once completed. This makes early detection and prevention crucial. Reporting quickly to your bank and cyber authorities improves chances of recovery but is not guaranteed.

Q: How can I know if my SIM has been swapped without my consent?
A: Signs include sudden network loss, inability to make calls or send SMS, not receiving OTPs, and alerts from your mobile operator. Contact your telecom provider immediately if you suspect a SIM swap.

Q: Should I trust calls claiming to be from NIA or Enforcement Directorate?
A: Legitimate agencies do not call individuals unsolicited asking for money or personal details. Always verify through official channels and never share OTPs or Aadhaar info over phone.

Scammers are getting smarter every year, but so can you. If you receive suspicious calls or messages about SIM misuse or legal trouble, don’t panic and never share personal or banking details. Instead, verify everything carefully — and visit BharatSecure.app to check the authenticity of such communications and protect yourself from fraud. Stay alert, stay safe!