Bengaluru tech professional loses ₹2.8 crore after inserting SIM into maliciously configured MI 13 C smartphone

Summary

A Bengaluru-based tech professional lost ₹2.8 crore in a cyber fraud after inserting a SIM card into a maliciously configured smartphone. The scam began when the victim received a WhatsApp call from someone claiming to be a Citibank representative, who informed him that his credit card approval was pending and suggested obtaining a new SIM card. A few days later, a parcel labeled as coming from “City Union Bank” arrived, containing an MI 13 C smartphone. The victim inserted his SIM card into the device, not realizing it was pre-loaded with harmful apps that intercepted OTPs and allowed fraudsters to access his bank accounts. The unauthorized transactions were discovered on December 5, 2024, prompting the victim to file a complaint at the Whitefield Police Station. Authorities are investigating the case under relevant sections of the IT Act.