• Send fake SMS or calls from “TRAI” claiming the victim’s SIM will be deactivated.
• Ask victims to provide Aadhaar numbers, OTPs, or bank details for “verification.”
• Use the information to transfer the SIM card ownership, allowing access to bank accounts.
• Drain bank accounts via unauthorized transactions once SIM control is obtained.

3. SIM Closure Fraud

Steps of the Fraud:

1. Fake SMS or Calls from “TRAI”
   • Victims received messages warning that their SIM card would be deactivated due to “fraudulent activity” or “incomplete KYC”.
2. Creation of Urgency & Fear
   • Scammers warned victims they had only a few hours to act before their SIM card would be blocked.
3. Phishing for Personal Data
   • Victims were asked to share Aadhaar numbers, bank details, and OTPs for “verification”.
4. Unauthorized SIM Swaps & Financial Theft
   • Using stolen information, scammers transferred SIM ownership and gained access to bank accounts.
   • Victims lost money via unauthorized transactions.
5. Government Warnings & Awareness Campaigns
   • TRAI issued public warnings urging users never to share OTPs or personal details over calls or SMS.
   • Many cases were reported through the Sanchar Saathi portal.