TL;DR: In eSIM fraud, a caller posing as your telecom operator sends an “eSIM upgrade” link or request. Approving it moves your number onto an eSIM on the scammer’s phone. Your SIM goes dead, and every OTP now reaches them. The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) has warned about it. Only ever switch to eSIM yourself, through your operator’s official app or store.
What I4C has warned
The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), part of the Ministry of Home Affairs, issued an advisory on eSIM fraud. Scammers call a victim, send a malicious eSIM activation link, and once it’s clicked, the physical SIM is converted to an eSIM that the scammer controls. NewsBytes reported a case flagged by I4C where a victim lost about ₹4 lakh even though their ATM card and UPI had been disabled, and India TV reported a Mumbai woman losing ₹11 lakh the same way.
How the takeover works
- The call. Someone claiming to be from your operator says your SIM needs an upgrade, KYC update, or 5G/eSIM conversion.
- The link or request. They send a link, an SMS to forward, or ask you to approve an eSIM request.
- The switch. Your number is moved to an eSIM on their phone. Your physical SIM shows “No service”.
- The harvest. Bank OTPs, UPI resets and WhatsApp codes all go to them. Disabling your card doesn’t help much once they own your number.
It’s SIM swap fraud without a shop visit: the whole thing happens online in minutes.
Warning signs
- A call or message about “upgrading” or “converting” your SIM that you didn’t ask for.
- Any request to click a link, forward an SMS, or scan a QR code to activate an eSIM.
- Your phone suddenly losing signal while others around you have it. Treat this as an emergency, not a network glitch.
How to stay safe
- Only convert to eSIM yourself, through your operator’s official app, website or store. Operators don’t cold-call you to do it.
- Never forward an SMS or approve a request because a caller asked you to.
- Check how many SIMs are registered in your name on Sanchar Saathi.
- Keep your bank’s alerts on email too, so you still see them if your number is hijacked.
If your signal disappears suddenly
- Use another phone to call your operator’s official helpline and ask whether a SIM or eSIM change was made. Get the number blocked.
- Call your bank and freeze net banking, UPI and cards. See how to freeze your account.
- Report on 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is eSIM fraud?
A scammer tricks you into approving an eSIM activation, which moves your mobile number onto their phone. They then receive your OTPs and can empty bank accounts.
Did the government warn about eSIM fraud?
Yes. The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs issued an advisory describing fake eSIM activation links.
Does an operator ever call to convert my SIM to eSIM?
Treat any unsolicited call about eSIM conversion as a scam. Only convert through your operator's official app, website or store.
What should I do if my phone suddenly shows no signal?
Call your operator from another phone to check for a SIM or eSIM change, block the number, freeze your bank access and report on 1930.
Sources
- India TV: Govt issues eSIM scam warning (I4C)
- NewsBytes: eSIM scam case flagged by I4C
- India TV: Mumbai woman loses Rs 11 lakh in e-SIM fraud
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal