Scams are increasing by the day. A new scam has been identified. A private sector employee from Hyderabad was scammed for over Rs 1 lakh. And this time, the scam is pretty new. This time, scammers went a step ahead and activated an eSIM in the victim’s name.
Since the scammers had his eSIM, they did not need an OTP or any other authentication process. How did that happen? So the victim received a message from an unknown number on WhatsApp. The message included a link to an APK file named “customer support,” which the sender claimed was necessary for assisting with a new credit card application.
The scammer thought that it was genuine and clicked on the link. Once the APK was installed, the scammers gained access to sensitive information stored on the victim’s device. Then, the scammers manipulated him into providing the details required for issuing a new credit card. And then suddenly, the victim noticed that he was unexpectedly disconnected from his mobile network. He was not getting any calls or messages.
And soon enough Rs 1,06,650 were stolen from his account. He did not know anything about this until he restored connectivity and checked the bank statements.
To make this all happen, scammers used a loophole to activate an eSIM on another device using the victim’s phone number without needing an OTP. And then they were receiving all his calls and OTPs.
Also read: Beware! This message on your iPhone could be a scam
Do not download APK Files from unknown sources. Verify the identity of the sender. Only use official websites and apps while applying for new services like credit cards.
Generally also, be aware and just react quickly if you feel that something around you is not right. Stay safe!
