The Department of Telecom (DoT) has seized 130 fake SIM cards and 512 SIM card slots in its Hyderabad unit. These were being used for bank fraud and illegal activities. A case has been registered against the POS agents and they are absconding.

SIM Card Rules: The Department of Telecom (DoT) takes strict action against those selling fake SIM cards. DoT has done the same once again. This action has been taken to prevent fraud. DoT’s Hyderabad unit has seized 2 boxes. In this, 512 SIM card slots and 130 fake SIM card cells have been seized together. Many authorities have said that these SIM cards were being used for bank fraud and illegal activities.

According to the report, POC (Point of Sale) agents were identified and all of them were selling fake SIM cards. Investigation revealed that these agents had sold 500 fake SIM cards and all these cards were sold from Vodafone-Idea stores. Fraudulent SIM cards were supplied to unregistered telemarketers. With the help of this, they used to send spam messages to users. These SIM cards were being used to send illegal messages. Out of this, about 130 SIM cards belonged to BSNL.

DoT started the crackdown

A case has been registered against the POS agent by Telangana Police. Strict action is being taken against those selling fake SIM cards. At present, these agents have absconded and the police are actively investigating the matter. DoT is tracing the source of these fraudulent SIM cards. To avoid such fraud, DoT was ordered by the Prime Minister’s Office to take action against such people. This is being done to stop cybercrime.

In August 2024, a new guideline was issued by DoT and TRAI. This was being done to stop fake calls and spam messages. Telecom operators were asked to stop this to prevent fraud.