DoT Cracks Down on Fake SIM Card Scam
512 SIM Slots & 130 Fake SIMs Seized in Anti-Fraud Operation
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has once again taken strict action against those selling fake SIM cards to curb fraud. DoT’s Hyderabad unit has seized two boxes containing 512 SIM card slots and 130 fake SIM cards. Authorities reported that these SIM cards were being used for bank fraud and illegal activities.
According to reports, the identified Point of Sale (PoS) agents were involved in selling these fake SIM cards. Investigations revealed that they had sold 500 fake SIM cards, all sourced from a Vodafone-Idea store. These fraudulent SIM cards were supplied to unregistered telemarketers, who used them to send spam messages. Among the seized SIM cards, around 130 belonged to BSNL.
The Telangana Police have registered a case against the PoS agents, but they are currently on the run. Authorities are actively investigating the matter, while DoT is tracing the source of these fraudulent SIM cards. To prevent such fraud, the Prime Minister’s Office had directed DoT to take strict action against offenders, as part of efforts to curb cybercrime.
In August 2024, DoT and TRAI introduced new guidelines to prevent fake calls and spam messages. Telecom operators were instructed to take measures to stop such fraud.
