In a startling revelation, the Navi Mumbai police have uncovered a complex case of cyber theft, where an individual used SIM card fraud to gain unauthorized access to a company’s bank account and made off with a significant amount of Rs 18.74 lakh. The culprit managed to manipulate the login credentials of a telecommunications services company, allowing them to infiltrate the corporate bank accounts. This prompted a thorough investigation by the Cyber Police, following the company’s complaint in September.
The First Information Report (FIR) provided detailed information about how the hackers skillfully manipulated the corporate login credentials to breach the company’s financial security. Through the investigation, the identity of the alleged perpetrator, Noor Islam Sanfui from West Bengal, was revealed. It was discovered that Sanfui had obtained sensitive account details from the bank account holder, including the ATM pin, chequebook, and mobile phone number.
The ingenious method used by the accused involved receiving a deceptive SMS, falsely notifying them of a SIM card deactivation. This clever ruse went unnoticed by the victim. Shockingly, it was later discovered that the same SIM card was found in the possession of the accused, highlighting the complexities of SIM card fraud.
SIM card fraud, also known as SIM swapping or SIM hijacking, was the clandestine technique employed in this cyber heist. In this sophisticated scheme, fraudsters gather personal information about their target and impersonate the account holder when contacting the victim’s mobile carrier. By falsely claiming a lost or stolen phone, they are able to obtain a new SIM card with the same phone number.
With the newly obtained SIM card in their possession, the criminals are able to intercept all incoming messages and calls, including those containing two-factor authentication codes. This malicious access grants them the ability to breach various online accounts, ranging from bank accounts to social media profiles and email. Once compromised, these accounts are then utilized as tools for siphoning funds, carrying out illicit transactions, and engaging in other unlawful activities, such as identity theft.
The apprehension of the alleged perpetrator serves as a clear reminder of the vulnerabilities associated with SIM card fraud. It is strongly advised that individuals and businesses exercise heightened vigilance against such sophisticated cyber threats, emphasizing the crucial significance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures in an increasingly digitalized world.