SIM Swap Fraud and Duplicate SIM Takeover on WhatsApp

How it looks on WhatsApp, the red flags and what to do.

WhatsApp scams arrive from numbers you do not know, from a friend whose account was taken over, or from a group you were added to without asking. SIM Swap Fraud and Duplicate SIM Takeover is one of the ways this shows up: Your phone loses network for no reason and OTPs go to a criminal's SIM. Learn the signs of SIM swap fraud and what to do at once.

What sim swap fraud and duplicate sim takeover looks like on WhatsApp

• A PDF, APK or image that must be opened to "see the details".
• A link that pretends to be a wa.me, courier or bank page.
• A message from an unknown number, often with a stock photo of a smiling person.

The set-up begins with your personal details: name, number, address and a few ID details gathered from leaks, phishing or a fake KYC call. Using these, the scammer approaches a shop or a call centre to ask for a new SIM, claiming that his phone was lost. In another version a caller poses as an operator and asks you to press a key or send an SMS to 'upgrade to 5G' or 'update KYC', which approves the SIM change.

Red flags to check on the WhatsApp message

• A caller asks you to press a key or send an SMS to upgrade or update your SIM.
• Your phone suddenly shows no service while others nearby have network.
• You get messages that a SIM change was requested that you did not ask for.
• Bank or UPI alerts about transactions you did not do.
• A file ending in .apk arrives; never install it.
• Someone asks for the six-digit code WhatsApp sent you by SMS.

What to do

1. If you lose network unexpectedly, contact your operator through another phone, using the number printed on your SIM pack or in its official app.
2. Call your bank on the number on your card and ask to block cards, UPI and net banking temporarily.
3. Change email and social passwords using another device and number.
4. Warn the group or family, and report the number on Sanchar Saathi if it is a scam call or message.
5. Do not click links or open files. Do not send money or codes.
6. Open the chat, tap the contact name and choose Block and report.

Inside WhatsApp use Block and report; for numbers that call or text you, the Sanchar Saathi portal (Chakshu facility) also takes complaints.

If money or a code is already gone

1. Call 1930 immediately and report at cybercrime.gov.in with the SIM and bank details.
2. Tell your bank at once so it can try to hold or recall the transfers.
3. Ask the operator in writing about the SIM change request and keep the reply.
4. Re-secure WhatsApp, email and other accounts that use your number.

National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930; report at cybercrime.gov.in.

Anti-theft in Safeavio Sentinel includes a SIM-change alert, which can warn you when the SIM in your phone changes, and recovery information. Scam check can read a message or script you paste, such as a '5G upgrade' call, and show the reasons it looks risky. Safeavio cannot stop an operator from issuing a duplicate SIM elsewhere, so contact your operator and bank at once.

Full guide: SIM Swap Fraud and Duplicate SIM Takeover: how it works, signs and what to do. Other channels: phone call, SMS, fake app.

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