CBI Action on Ghost SIM Cards: What Every Mobile User in India Should Know

Byadmin

In a strong move to stop fraud and cybercrime, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) recently carried out a major crackdown on fake SIM cards—also known as ghost SIMs. These SIM cards were being used by fraudsters for scams not just in India, but also outside the country.

This issue is serious because these fake SIMs are being used in crimes like digital arrests, fake calls, and online scams. In this blog, we explain everything in simple words so that you know what’s going on and how to protect yourself. Also, stay informed with Chakshu Portal—a helpful place to report and learn about mobile and cyber frauds.

What Are Ghost SIM Cards?

Ghost SIM cards are mobile SIMs that are taken using fake identity documents. In simple words, someone gets a SIM card using someone else’s Aadhaar card or PAN card, without their permission.

This means the real user of the SIM cannot be traced, and it becomes very hard for the police or government to catch the person if they use the SIM card for crime.

How Did the Fraud Happen?

The fraud was done through some agents at mobile shops who help customers get new SIM cards. These are called PoS (Point of Sale) agents.

Here’s what they did:

  • When a customer came to get a SIM, they would say that the Aadhaar scan failed.
  • They would ask the customer to scan again.
  • Then, using the same ID details, they would activate more SIMs without telling the customer.
  • The customer got only one SIM. The other SIMs were given or sold to cybercriminals.

These extra SIMs are called ghost SIMs.

Where Did This Happen?

The CBI found these fake SIM cards being issued in many states including:

  • Uttar Pradesh
  • West Bengal
  • Maharashtra
  • Bihar
  • Assam
  • Telangana
  • Tamil Nadu
  • Karnataka

In total, 39 PoS agents were found involved and cases have been registered against them.

How Big Is This Scam?

This is not a small case. It has a large impact.

  • Around 1,100 ghost SIM cards were directly linked to crimes.
  • These were used in UPI frauds, investment scams, fake job offers, and cheating through phone calls.
  • The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal showed that more than 64,000 mobile numbers were taken using wrong details.
  • Many of these numbers were used outside India, especially in South-East Asian countries.

Such fake SIMs were also used for WhatsApp accounts, which were then used to cheat people.

To report any misuse or suspicious SIM activity, always use Chakshu Portal. It’s made for people to raise such issues safely.

Link With National Security

In a different but connected case, Assam Police and Army intelligence found ghost SIMs being used in India by people connected to Pakistan.

These SIMs were used to open WhatsApp accounts and do spying and cybercrime activities. Many arrests were made in Assam, Telangana, and Rajasthan.

This shows how ghost SIMs are not only being used for money scams but also for threats to the country.

What is Operation Chakra V?

To deal with this serious issue, the CBI started a special mission called Operation Chakra V.

  • It covered 42 places across 8 states.
  • Several people were arrested.
  • Evidence of fake SIM activation and foreign links were found.
  • The CBI is also checking if any telecom company staff helped in this scam.

This mission is focused on catching those who help fraudsters get fake SIMs and to stop the misuse of mobile services in crimes.

What You Should Do as a SIM User?

Here’s how you can stay safe and make sure your name is not being used for ghost SIMs:

  1. Check With Your Mobile Operator: Ask your telecom company how many SIMs are running under your name. Every individual is allowed only 9 SIMs. If you see something extra, report it.
  2. Never Share ID Cards With Unknown People: Give your Aadhaar or PAN only to trusted people or official telecom shops.
  3. Check Chakshu Portal for SIM Safety: Chakshu Portal helps you find out if someone is using a SIM in your name. It also helps you file complaints easily.
  4. Report Misuse Immediately: If you think someone used your details wrongly to get a SIM, report it to the police or through Chakshu Portal.

Why Chakshu Portal Is Useful for SIM Issues

Chakshu Portal is made to help Indian citizens know about frauds related to mobile numbers. Whether it’s about fake calls, scams, or checking how many SIMs are active in your name, this platform gives you updates and solutions in one place.

You don’t need to understand legal or technical terms. Everything is written in plain language. And it’s completely free.

You can visit Chakshu Portal any time to report misuse or to get help.

Final Words

Fake SIM cards are being used in many online crimes. The CBI’s action against PoS agents shows that the government is taking this matter seriously. But we must also be alert.

Keep your documents safe, stay aware of the SIMs linked to your name, and don’t ignore suspicious calls or messages.

Use the Chakshu Portal to stay informed, check your SIM records, and protect yourself and your family from fraud.

Your mobile number is not just for calls—it’s linked to your bank, your ID, and your safety. Let’s keep it secure.

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