Lucknow Man Loses ₹4.5 Lakh in SIM Swap Scam

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Police are investigating a suspected SIM swap fraud after a Lucknow individual lost approximately ₹4.5 million through unauthorized banking activities. The incident involved cybercriminals seizing control of the victim’s mobile number to access two bank accounts linked to the Mohanlalganj branch.

Incident Overview

The fraudulent activity occurred between June 5 and June 21, with withdrawals totaling ₹4.5 million. The victim, traveling to Haridwar on June 3, received a call from an unknown party claiming an OTP had been sent to his number. The caller warned of potential SIM deactivation if the code was not shared. The individual refused to comply, but shortly after, the SIM ceased functioning.

Fraud Process

Investigators determined that the fraudsters obtained a duplicate SIM using fabricated identification details, rendering the original inactive. This allowed them to intercept all communication, including transaction alerts and authentication codes, facilitating the unauthorized transfers. The victim discovered the breach upon reviewing bank statements and filed a report at the Mohanlalganj Police Station.

Expert Advice

Cybersecurity experts emphasize that sudden SIM failures or network disruptions should not be dismissed as technical glitches. Affected individuals are advised to contact their service provider via an alternative device to confirm SIM status, temporarily suspend banking accounts, update passwords, and report incidents through official channels such as the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

Conclusion

Authorities are examining financial records, transaction histories, and the circumstances surrounding the SIM takeover. Investigators are also assessing whether the scheme involved a coordinated cybercrime group. Early intervention is critical to mitigating financial harm in such cases.