TGCSB warns against fake DoT SIM verification fraud

The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) issued a public advisory cautioning citizens against fake Department of Telecommunications (DoT) SIM verification fraud.

According to the Bureau, fraudsters are posing as bank executives offering premium credit cards and couriering pre-configured mobile phones bearing fake bank stickers. Once a victim inserts their SIM card into the device, a hidden SMS forwarding application, already installed on the handset, activates automatically. The app adds a counterfeit “DOT Secure” icon to appear legitimate while secretly diverting all SMS messages and one-time passwords (OTPs) to the fraudsters.

The Bureau cited a recent case in which fraudsters siphoned off ₹77 lakh from a victim’s bank account within 24 hours. The crime went undetected until the victim realised that calls and text alerts were no longer reaching his alternate SIM.

Officials urged citizens to remain vigilant and to never accept unsolicited devices sent in the name of banks or DoT. They further advised against inserting SIM cards into gadgets provided by unknown sources. Customers were told to verify all such requests directly with their banks or the DoT using official helplines.

Sudden stoppage of SMS or OTP alerts can be a red flag indicating compromise, the advisory said.

Citizens have been asked to immediately report suspicious activity to the cybercrime helpline at 1930 or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in.