Hyderabad: Fraudsters Target BSNL Users With Fake SIM Suspension Messages

Hyderabad: The subscribers of BSNL’s mobile services are being targeted by fraudsters by sending fake messages about an imminent suspension of their SIM cards for the want of KYC verification.

In a purported notice from BSNL, the fraudster’s message reads: “Your BSNL Sim KYC has been suspended by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. Your Sim card will be blocked within 24 hours. Call immediately.” The message is sent through WhatsApp from 8822076791, which is not a BSNL number.

The notice also gives out the contact details of the so-called KYC verification executive and implores the customer to contact the service provider immediately before the account was suspended.

When users contact the provided number to update KYC (Know Your Customer), they are pressured into making a payment to "unblock" their SIM card. In reality, there is no such suspension, and the entire scheme is a ruse to extort money.

BSNL issued an official warning to its users several months ago, saying no such notice has been issued by them and advised users not to respond to such messages or calls. But the messages and scams are on the rise again.