Mumbai Cyber Police Expose SIM Card Scam Involving Stolen Aadhaar Linked to Financial Frauds
Mumbai Police Crack Down on SIM Card Scam Using Stolen Aadhaar Data
A recent operation by the Mumbai Cyber Police has uncovered a large-scale SIM card racket involving the misuse of stolen Aadhaar details. The scam, which exploited the identity documents of unsuspecting migrants, resulted in the activation of over 100 fraudulent SIM cards. These SIM cards were then sold to cybercriminal networks for use in various online scams.
Modus Operandi of the Scam
According to investigators, the accused individuals obtained mobile connections using forged identity documents, which were later used by cybercriminals to carry out phishing calls, OTP theft, and financial scams. The use of stolen Aadhaar details allowed the scammers to remain anonymous while carrying out their operations across multiple locations.
The investigation revealed that the duplicate SIM cards were sold for approximately ₹500 each to individuals involved in cybercrime operations. The accused allegedly activated additional SIM cards using the same identity documents and sold the extra connections through illegal channels. Authorities suspect that these SIM cards may have been used in cyber fraud cases across India and possibly by networks operating abroad.
Target of the Scam
The scam primarily targeted migrant workers, whose Aadhaar details were used to obtain the SIM cards. In some instances, customers who purchased one legitimate SIM card were issued two connections using the same identity documents, allowing the suspects to sell the duplicate numbers to fraud networks.
Cybercrime officials have warned that the misuse of identity documents to obtain SIM cards remains a major enabler of financial cyber fraud, as such numbers are often used to carry out scams anonymously.
Investigation and Precautions
The Mumbai Cyber Police have filed an FIR and are currently probing the larger fraud network. The investigation involves examining telecom records and tracking the movement of the stolen SIM cards.
The use of stolen Aadhaar details to obtain SIM cards highlights the need for increased vigilance in protecting personal identity documents. As cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics, it is essential for individuals to remain cautious when sharing their personal information and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
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