Sim Card Fraud – Here are some things to keep in mind when buying a SIM card to avoid fraud.
The incidence of SIM card fraud is on the rise, various measures of TRAI or DoT are not being implemented. In that case, to avoid fraud (keep your eyes and ears open) always keep these three things in mind …
For the past few years, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) have been working tirelessly to prevent SIM card fraud. As part of the move, the DoT issued a directive last December 2021, to block more than nine SIM cards. Some other steps were also taken on behalf of the Center. However, even after this, the incident of fraud surrounding the SIM card does not seem to be stopped. So not only the telecom department but also ordinary people like us i.e. consumers need to keep their eyes and ears open to escape from the trap of fraudsters. In that case, let’s take a look at some of the things that can be done to prevent SIM card fraud.
If your phone is lost or stolen, do it now, otherwise you may be in danger
The first step is to prevent SIM card fraud
1. Pre-activated SIM card
Customers should always refrain from buying pre-activated SIM cards. In fact, it is quite reasonable to have a pre-activated SIM in someone else’s name. Moreover, the SIM card filled with your documents may be given to someone else in the coming days. In this case, if there is any kind of fraud, customers can be in trouble.
2. Only buy SIMs from official stores
Always buy a SIM card from an authentic place. This is because buying a SIM card from any open space can lead to the misuse of your documents. It is often seen that SIM vendors issue SIM cards to others in your document. In that case, you will be found guilty in any criminal case. So it would be better to buy SIM only from Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vodafone-Idea stores.
3. Check the details of the SIM card
You should always check if any fake SIM has been issued in your name. Launched a portal called Telecom Analytics for DOT, Fraud Management, and Consumer Protection or TAFCOP to find out if any SIM card is invisibly registered in your Aadhaar. From this portal, you can know exactly how many SIMs are running in your name.
How to detect and block fraudulent SIM
1. For this first you have to go to the website https://www.tafcop.dgtelecom.gov.in/ and there you have to give your mobile number.
2. You will then receive a One Time Password (OTP).
3. After submitting the OTP, a list will appear, from which you will know how many numbers register you have in your base.
4. You can then block the number you are not using. In this case, the consumer will be given a tracking ID to know what action has been taken against the invalid number provider associated with Aadhaar.
