DoT Disconnects 5 Crore Fake SIMs, Blocks ₹1,800 Crore in Fraud

New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has disconnected more than five crore fraudulent mobile connections over the last two years as part of a nationwide campaign against telecom-enabled cybercrime.

The department has also helped recover more than 12 lakh lost or stolen mobile phones and prevented suspected cyber fraud losses exceeding ₹1,800 crore, officials said during a security conference held in Hyderabad.

The event brought together representatives from telecom authorities, police departments, banking institutions and mobile operators to discuss strategies for tackling the growing misuse of communication networks by cybercriminals.

Fake SIM Cards Used as Tools for Cybercrime

Officials said illegally obtained SIM cards have become a major tool for organised cyber fraud networks. Criminal groups allegedly use such connections for phishing attacks, identity-based scams, digital payment fraud, impersonation cases and other online crimes.

Since fake or improperly obtained mobile numbers provide criminals with temporary and difficult-to-trace communication channels, removing these connections is considered a key step in disrupting cybercrime operations.

Director General (Telecom) Anand Khare said coordinated action between government agencies, financial institutions, law enforcement and telecom companies is essential to strengthening India’s digital security framework.

Technology Helps Prevent Financial Fraud

A major component of the prevention strategy is the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator, a system designed to identify suspicious telecom-linked financial activity at an early stage.

Officials said the technology has helped authorities intervene before fraudulent transactions could result in larger losses. The system works alongside other digital safety initiatives under the DoT’s Sanchar Saathi platform.

Tools such as TAFCOP, which allows citizens to check mobile connections issued in their name, and the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), which enables blocking of lost or stolen phones through IMEI numbers, are also being used to strengthen telecom security.

Andhra Pradesh Reports Major Enforcement Success

The Andhra Pradesh Licensed Service Area recorded significant achievements during 2025-26, including the dismantling of 11 illegal telecom and cybercrime operations.

The region also recovered nearly 2.04 lakh lost and stolen mobile phones, the highest number among DoT service areas during the period. Officials attributed the achievement to cooperation between telecom operators, law enforcement agencies and the CEIR system.

During the Hyderabad conference, the DoT also inaugurated its first Network Security Laboratory at its Andhra Pradesh office. The facility is expected to support technical analysis of telecom vulnerabilities and assist investigations into emerging digital threats.

Experts Warn Cybercriminals Continue to Adapt

Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said fraudulent mobile connections play a critical role in several cybercrime activities, including phishing operations, OTP fraud, identity theft and digital arrest scams.

He described the removal of millions of fake connections as an important disruption to criminal networks but stressed that cybercriminals often shift tactics and adopt new methods when existing channels are blocked.

Experts believe stronger KYC enforcement, artificial intelligence-based fraud detection, advanced telecom monitoring and faster information sharing between agencies will remain crucial in combating evolving cyber threats.

Authorities said the fight against telecom-based fraud will require continuous cooperation between telecom companies, banks, investigators and technology providers as criminals continue to explore new ways to exploit digital systems.