Fraudsters normally use SIM boxes for illegal activities like social engineering, financial fraud and Unsolicited commercial communication (UCC)
HYDERABAD, FEBRUARY 01, 2025: Under the Dynamic leadership of Union Minister of Communications Mr Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Department of Telecom is proactively working to curb cyber fraud and Digital scams. In line with the vision of the Union Minister, the Intelligence Unit (DIU) is being strengthened in DoT HQ and field units.
The DoT team at Hyderabad is further analysing the data to identify illegal and fraudulent usage of Telecom resources to mitigate Digital fraud.
Two SIM boxes were recovered in a joint operation of the Department of Telecom with Telangana Police. SIM boxes are normally used by fraudsters for illegal activities like social engineering, financial frauds and Unsolicited commercial communication (UCC). This causes revenue loss to the nation and causes hardship to innocent subscribers. Anti National element also sometimes use these illegal methods.
One of the Vodafone Idea’s Point of Sale agent was involved in the fraudulent sale of 500 VIL SIMs. The authenticity of documents submitted for SIM procurement, is suspect and currently under verification.
These SIMs were being supplied to unregistered/illegal telemarketers and it was found that SIM boxes were being used to send bulk SMSs.
An FIR has been filed against the suspected customers and the POS agent. Additionally, two 512-slot SIM boxes and 130 SIMs were seized. The POS agent is currently absconding, and further investigation is underway to trace the source of these SIMs.
The operation was possible with the active support from the Officers from the Telangana Police.
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