Cyber Police Begin Process to Block Thousands of Fake SIM Cards Used in Scams

Amid a major crackdown on cybercrime, preparations are underway for a large-scale action at the Cyber Police Station. This year, the department has initiated the process of shutting down thousands of fake SIM cards suspected to be linked with online fraud and financial scams. During initial investigation, it was found that these SIMs were being used in an organized manner for cyber fraud, bank scams, fake calls and inter-state criminal activities. Shockingly, many of these SIM cards were issued in the names of people who were completely unaware of it. Most affected are elderly women, labourers, daily wagers, small farmers and illiterate villagers—individuals whose identities are easily exploited.

According to officials, after detailed scrutiny, a report will be sent to the Superintendent of Police (SP) for approval. Once approved, the list of suspicious SIM cards will be forwarded to telecom operators with instructions to block them immediately. This is expected to be one of the largest mass SIM-blocking operations ever carried out, marking a significant blow to organized cyber fraud networks.

The investigation revealed that a large number of SIM cards originated from rural regions of Bihar, Jharkhand, Bengal and even Nepal. Many were activated near the Nepal border, raising concerns about cross-border scam operations. Agents reportedly lured villagers and elderly people by offering small payments to obtain SIMs in their names, which were later sold at high prices to cybercriminal groups.

Officials confirmed that every SIM on the list carries evidence of involvement in cybercrime. These connections include bank fraud via fake KYC updates, job offers, loan claims, reward schemes and investment traps. Some SIMs were used for WhatsApp OTP fraud, online gaming scams and scam call centres operating across multiple states.

The move is expected to significantly disrupt cyber syndicates and reduce the misuse of identity-linked mobile numbers in digital crimes.