SIM Swap and Fake Porting Request Scam

How SIM Swap and Fake Porting Request Scam Works

Overview: Cybercriminals are using SIM swap and port-out fraud to hijack Indian victims' mobile numbers and intercept OTPs for mobile banking, UPI, and credit cards. Victims often notice their phone suddenly loses network or receive unusual porting requests. This scam is highly dangerous as it lets criminals empty accounts and steal private data. How It Works: The scammer, using social engineering or data leaks, collects enough info to impersonate you (Aadhaar, mobile number, birthdate). They contact your mobile operator or visit a store to request a duplicate SIM, saying your phone is damaged/lost. Once your SIM is deactivated, all calls, OTPs, and SMS go to the scammer. The fraudster then logs into your banking or wallet apps using received OTPs, rapidly draining your balance. Some victims receive a fake SMS about porting and ignore it—giving criminals extra time. India Angle: This attack is reported mostly from Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, affecting anyone using financial apps. High-value individuals, working professionals, and business owners are prime targets. Fraudsters exploit leakages of Aadhaar data, often sourced from past data breaches. Real Examples: SMS: "Your SIM port request is being processed. If not requested, call 198 to cancel immediately." Later, you'll lose signal. Or a call: "We are from your telecom provider, need OTP to verify your SIM for security update." Red Flags: - Network or SIM suddenly stops working for hours. - Messages about porting requests you did not make. - Calls asking you to share OTP related to mobile number update. - No explanation from your provider regarding SIM deactivation. Protective Measures: Set up a strong SIM PIN or number lock with your provider. Don’t share telecom OTPs with anyone over call/SMS. Contact your company’s customer care immediately if you lose signal or get an unexplained port SMS. Notify your bank to block transactions until issue is resolved. If Victimised: Call your mobile provider from another number instantly to block the fraudulent SIM. Freeze your bank and wallet accounts, change all passwords, and complain to 1930 and cybercrime.gov.in. Related Scams: - KYC update frauds requesting telecom OTP. - Data breach leaks leading to new ID fraud.

Visual Intelligence:

BharatSecure's AI has identified this as a used in scams targeting Indian users.

Who Does SIM Swap and Fake Porting Request Scam Target?

General public across India

Red Flags — How to Identify SIM Swap and Fake Porting Request Scam

• Sudden loss of network without SIM removal
• SMS about porting requests you did not make
• Requests for telecom OTPs from

What To Do If You Encounter SIM Swap and Fake Porting Request Scam

1. Do not click any links or share personal information
2. Block and report the sender immediately
3. Report at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930
4. Inform your bank if financial details were shared

How to Report SIM Swap and Fake Porting Request Scam in India

• Call 1930 — National Cyber Crime Helpline (24x7)
• File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in
• Contact your bank immediately if money was lost
• Call RBI helpline: 14440 for banking fraud

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SIM Swap and Fake Porting Request Scam?

Overview: Cybercriminals are using SIM swap and port-out fraud to hijack Indian victims' mobile numbers and intercept OTPs for mobile banking, UPI, and credit cards. Victims often notice their phone suddenly loses network or receive unusual porting requests. This scam is highly dangerous as it lets criminals empty accounts and steal private data. How It Works: The scammer, using social engineering or data leaks, collects enough info to impersonate you (Aadhaar, mobile number, birthdate). They c

How does SIM Swap and Fake Porting Request Scam work?

Overview: Cybercriminals are using SIM swap and port-out fraud to hijack Indian victims' mobile numbers and intercept OTPs for mobile banking, UPI, and credit cards. Victims often notice their phone suddenly loses network or receive unusual porting requests. This scam is highly dangerous as it lets criminals empty accounts and steal private data. How It Works: The scammer, using social engineerin

How to protect yourself from SIM Swap and Fake Porting Request Scam?

Do not click any links or share personal information Block and report the sender immediately Report at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 Inform your bank if financial details were shared

How to report SIM Swap and Fake Porting Request Scam in India?

Report to cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 (National Cyber Crime Helpline). You can also contact your local police station's cyber cell.

Verify Any Suspicious Message

Check any suspicious message, link, or call for free at bharatsecure.app. BharatSecure uses AI to detect scams in real-time and protect Indian users.