Bengaluru eSIM Scam Leaves Victims With Lakhs Lost From Bank Accounts

A new eSIM fraud is raising concern in Bengaluru, where cybercriminals are reportedly posing as telecom representatives and offering customers a quick mobile SIM upgrade.

The scam starts with a seemingly routine phone call or WhatsApp message. The caller claims that the existing physical SIM needs to be upgraded to an eSIM and asks the customer to complete a verification process.

In two reported cases, Bengaluru residents lost lakhs of rupees after falling for the scheme. In one case, a 51 year old man from Marasandra was contacted through WhatsApp and allegedly tricked into sharing an OTP. His mobile connection was then disrupted, after which around Rs 6.2 lakh was reportedly withdrawn through three bank accounts and a credit card.

Another resident, identified as 40 year old Shoaib from Chikkabanavara, was allegedly told that his SIM would soon be deactivated. The fraudster offered to arrange an eSIM and obtained a Google sign in code during the process. The victim reportedly lost around Rs 2.8 lakh.

The fraud works by exploiting control over the victim’s mobile number. Once a criminal successfully activates an eSIM on another device, the genuine SIM can stop working. This can give the attacker access to calls and SMS messages, including messages used for account recovery and financial verification.

With control of the number, scammers may then attempt to reset passwords or gain access to banking and other online accounts. The Karnataka High Court has also recently dealt with a separate SIM swap related cyber fraud case, highlighting the serious risks associated with unauthorised control of mobile connections.

Police and cyber safety authorities advise people not to share OTPs, verification codes or QR related information with callers claiming to represent a telecom company. Customers should independently contact their service provider through official channels if they receive an unexpected request about their SIM.

Anyone seeking an eSIM should use the telecom operator’s official application or visit an authorised service centre rather than following instructions received through an unsolicited call or WhatsApp message.

A sudden loss of mobile network can also be an important warning sign, particularly if it happens without an obvious reason. In such a situation, users should immediately contact their telecom provider and banks to secure their accounts.

If money has already been lost through a cyber fraud, the Government of India’s National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal advises victims to report financial cyber fraud through the 1930 helpline or its official online portal.

The incident is a reminder that a request for a simple SIM upgrade can become a serious financial risk when it comes from an unverified source. Customers should never hand over access codes simply because the caller claims to be from a telecom company.