A new wave of cybercrime is sweeping across India, and it’s hitting unsuspecting citizens hard. Known as eSIM fraud, this latest scam allows criminals to siphon off lakhs of rupees from victims’ bank accounts — even after ATM cards and UPI services are blocked.
In a recent shocking case from Mumbai, a man lost ₹4 lakh within minutes, despite taking immediate action to block his ATM card and digital payment services. The fraudsters didn’t need physical access to his phone or bank — they only needed a small window of opportunity.
How the Scam Works
Unlike traditional SIM cards, an eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that can be activated remotely. Telecom companies issue eSIMs upon customer request, but cybercriminals are now exploiting this process. Once a scammer successfully converts your physical SIM into an eSIM under their control, they can intercept your calls and OTPs — giving them access to your bank accounts.
In this case, the victim received a call from an unknown number. During the conversation, the scammer tricked him into clicking on a malicious link. That link granted permission to swap his physical SIM to an eSIM controlled by the fraudster. Within 15 minutes, his phone lost network connectivity — a telltale sign of a SIM swap — and by the time he contacted his bank, the criminals had already drained his account.
Why This is Dangerous
Unlike older SIM swap scams that block SMS for 24 hours, fraudsters here cleverly used voice calls to receive OTPs, bypassing SMS restrictions and speeding up the theft.
How to Protect Yourself
●Never click links received from unknown sources.
●Ignore suspicious calls — especially those asking for personal or banking details.
●Enable SIM swap alerts with your telecom provider.
●Report immediately to your bank and cybercrime cell if your phone loses network unexpectedly.
With digital banking becoming the norm, staying vigilant is your strongest defense. In the wrong hands, your eSIM could be the key to your entire financial life.
