Rising SIM swap frauds in India: convert your SIM to an eSIM to protect yourself.

Apple announced that none of the iPhone 14 versions that would be sold in the US would include physical SIM slots when the iPhone 14 series was introduced at the autumn 2022 event. The iPhone 14 will therefore only support eSIM. Even though eSIM has been around for a while, its popularity increased following the release of the iPhone 14. They were only left with two options: either to migrate to eSIM or to purchase an iPhone from India itself, especially in India where many people wait for their relatives to bring them iPhones from the US as it is relatively cheaper.Although the idea of an electronic SIM card is not yet widely accepted, it is substantially safer and more advantageous than a physical SIM. When we mention benefits, we also mean protection against cyberattacks like SIM swap frauds, not only convenience.

The number of SIM switch fraud instances has significantly increased during the last few years. Hackers prey on individuals by abusing the two-factor authentication and verification procedures needed to activate a new SIM card bearing the same number.

SIM swap fraud definition
Fraudsters purchase a new SIM card and then, claiming to have misplaced the previous one, contact the phone’s carrier operator to activate it with the same number of additional users. Later, they coerce the victim into providing the OTP, and after the activation is complete, the con artists seize possession of the victim’s phone number. From that point forward, all calls and texts will go through the con artist’s phone, which they would later utilise to empty bank accounts.

So how can SIM switch fraud be stopped? While there are several ways to stay on the lookout for scammers, switching to an eSIM is one of the safest options. It is a digital SIM card that can be integrated right into a gadget, just like a regular SIM card. Unlike conventional SIM cards, which are inserted into a specific slot.

It also has a number of advantages, such as:

Multiple phone numbers and plans can be stored on a single device thanks to the simple remote activation and deactivation of eSIMs.
With eSIM, there is no need to physically insert or remove a SIM card, therefore there is no concern about damaging, losing, or having it stolen.
The digital SIM also makes it simpler to switch between various carriers or plans by allowing many phone numbers and plans to be maintained on a single device.
Without going to a retailer or waiting for a real SIM card to be delivered, eSIMs can be activated remotely.

How eSIM can stop SIM swapping
You must register yourself with your data and Personal Identifiable Information in order to activate eSIM (PII). Additionally, you can activate numerous security levels to protect your eSIM account by setting up biometric authentication such as face ID or fingerprints.

Additionally, since an eSIM system does not use a physical SIM card and instead stores all of your identifying information on your phone, no scammer can claim that their SIM card was stolen or destroyed. By doing this, you can stop online thieves from getting a new SIM card or re-registering the number in your name.

How to switch from a SIM to an eSIM
To convert your eSIM, first determine whether your smartphone supports eSIM and whether your telecom provider offers the service. The telecom provider provides e-SIM for Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone-Idea at no additional cost.

How to go from a Jio SIM to an e-SIM

Type Send the text “GETE-SIM 32 Digit EID>15 Digit IMEI>” to 199.
To obtain your IMEI number, send *#06#.
Find “EID” under Settings > About phone to obtain the EID number.
A 19-digit virtual eSIM number will be sent to your registered email address and SMS.

Notably, you will be prompted to update your email address before starting the eSIM process again if you have not registered your email ID with your current telecom operator.

Send another SMS to 199 with the subject “SIMCHG 19 digit e-SIM Number>” after receiving the eSIM number.
Within 1-2 hours, Jio will email you an update on the eSIM procedure. It will take around an hour or two.

Next, send an SMS to 183 with the text “1” to ask for an automated call from +91 2235072222. To confirm, dial “1” while on the call.
Once it’s finished, you may activate your eSIM by going to the eSIM settings on your phone and selecting instal “Data plan.”
During the procedure, make sure your phone is linked to mobile data or WiFi.
Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add Data Plan > Scan QR code > e-SIM on the iPhone.

Changing an Airtel SIM to an e-SIM
To 121, text “e-SIM>registered email id.”
Responding with “1” will confirm the initiation process.
Following confirmation, Airtel will send you an SMS asking for your call-based consent. Verify your ID over the phone.
You will receive a QR code on your registered email ID following authentication.
In order to enable e-SIM services, scan that QR code.
The activation of your eSIM should take about two hours.

How to change your Vodafone SIM to an e-SIM
Email ID registered by SMS e-SIM to 199.
By responding “E-SIMY,” you can confirm your request.
Give your approval over the phone.
The QR Code for e-SIM activation will then be sent to your registered email address through SMS.