Government's 'Digital Strike': 4 Lakh SIM Cards Blocked to Fight Fraud—Here's the Full Story

In a major crackdown on financial and digital fraud, India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has blocked around 3 to 4 lakh SIM cards suspected of being used for scams and fraudulent activities. This decisive action is part of the government's robust response to the escalating threat of spam, scam calls, and financial fraud targeting citizens.

How Big Is the Problem?

• 2,000 Fraudulent SIMs Detected Daily:
  According to Financial Risk Indicator data from May 2025, about 2,000 SIM cards involved in financial scams are being identified and blocked every day.

• Use of AI Technology:
  Advanced artificial intelligence-based systems are deployed to detect unusual patterns, trace fraud networks, and flag suspicious mobile numbers at scale. Surveillance and data analysis have become critical tools in this digital battle.

Why the Sudden Spike?

The rise of UPI (Unified Payments Interface) and digital banking has made money transfers more convenient—but also opened new doors for fraudsters. Scammers use fake or unauthorized SIM cards to deceive people, often with phishing messages, fraudulent UPI links, or calls posing as bank officials or lottery agents.

What’s the Financial Risk Indicator?

• This AI-powered tool is implemented across banks and financial institutions in India.

• It continuously examines the phone numbers linked to banking activity, and categorizes them as low, medium, or high risk.

• High-risk SIMs (those involved in suspicious or anomalous activity) are swiftly blocked and reported.

Impact and Benefits

• Rapid Action:
  Financial institutions and telecom operators are now able to prevent fraudulent transactions far more efficiently and in real time, thanks to the integration of the risk indicator systems.

• Strengthened Security:
  Telecom providers have increased security at the network layer, making it harder for criminals to operate at scale.

• Faster Crackdown:
  The whole process from detection to blocking a fraud-linked SIM now happens much quicker, reducing potential losses for individuals and banks.

How Can You Stay Safe?

• Never click on links in suspicious messages or emails, especially those promising rewards or urgent action on your bank accounts.

• Ignore and block unknown or unsolicited calls, particularly those asking for personal or financial information.

• Use only official banking and government apps. Avoid downloading or giving access to unknown applications.

• Report any suspected scam SMS or calls to your telecom provider or police cyber cell immediately.