Hardoi Linked to Nationwide Cyber Frauds; 99 Fraudulent SIM Cards Issued Through Single POS Code

Hardoi has emerged as a major link in cyber fraud cases reported across the country. Recent investigations revealed that 99 mobile SIM cards issued from the district were used in nationwide online scams. An FIR has been registered at the City Kotwali police station against Ashutosh Gupta, a resident of Civil Lines, under charges of fraud and relevant sections of the IT Act.

According to Railwayganj outpost in-charge Vishwas Sharma, all SIM cards were issued through a single POS (Point of Sale) code operated in Gupta’s name. Shockingly, several villagers whose Aadhaar details were used to obtain these SIMs were completely unaware of the issuance.

The probe found that in 2023, multiple SIM cards were fraudulently purchased in the names of residents of Ranamau village in Sitapur district. At the time, the rule allowed only three SIM cards per Aadhaar. Villagers typically bought only one, while two additional SIMs were activated in their names without consent. These extra SIMs were later used by cybercriminals for fraudulent activities.

Investigators also discovered that bank accounts of residents from Sawaiyajpur, Pihani, Tadiyawan, and Pali areas were misused to receive money obtained through online scams. Separate cases have been registered in the respective police stations.

Circle Officer (City) Ankit Mishra confirmed that the POS code was issued from Shahjahanpur and all SIMs involved were of BSNL. Police teams are now tracking every link of the network. Amid the surge in cybercrime cases, authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and verify any unauthorized use of their documents or accounts.