Overseas fraudsters exploit Indian SIMs and accounts in cyber scams

Cybercriminals have shifted their operations overseas, targeting victims through direct mobile or WhatsApp calls rather than internet-based methods. Local Indians are aiding these fraudsters by supplying SIM cards and bank account details, police investigations reveal. Countries like China, Taiwan, and Thailand are emerging as hubs for these scams.

In a recent Mangaluru case, stolen funds from an Indian bank account were traced to Dubai, where they were withdrawn. Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal confirmed arrests in cases involving stock market frauds, overseas jobs, and illegal SIM card sales. Investigations, supported by the CID and other agencies, are ongoing.

Fraudsters recruit Indians to target fellow citizens, leveraging local numbers and dialects to build trust. Hundreds of SIM cards, including those from Mangaluru, have been smuggled abroad. Two individuals were recently arrested for sending over 500 SIM cards to Dubai. They procured these for ₹200–300 each and sold them to cybercriminals.

A September case saw a victim lose ₹10.84 lakh in a stock investment scam, with links to SIM card smuggling. Another case in July involved a ₹28.18 lakh loss in a part-time job scam. Five suspects from Bengaluru and Mysuru were arrested for opening multiple bank accounts for fraudsters, earning ₹3,000–5,000 per account.

Authorities are intensifying efforts to dismantle these networks, urging the public to remain alert.

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