Is Your SIM card Cloned - Find Out here

A new trend of cloning SIM cards by giving missed call is on the rise. Reportedly, missed call from numbers starting +92, #90 or #09 are dangerous and can clone your SIM when you call back the number.

According to reports, more than one lakh subscribers have fallen prey to this new telecom menace. 

Modus operandi
The modus operandi of the SIM cards cloning racket is quite simple. You might get a missed call from a number starting with +92, #90 or #09. The moment, a subscriber calls back on the number, his or her cell phone is cloned. 

However, if the subscribers picks up the call before it is dropped then the caller, on the other end, poses as a call center executive verifying the connectivity and call flow. The caller then asks the subscriber to press # 09 or # 90 to call back on his number to make sure the connectivity is seamless.

Troubles of SIM cloning
If your SIM is cloned, you might fall into a big trouble. The crooks behind the racket can misuse your information stored in the phone or external memory (SIM, memory & data cards).
Culprits can use the cloned copy of your SIM to make calls to any number they wish to. This can lead the subscribers to the threat of their connection being used for terror calls.

How they Do it

There are two type of SIM Cloning

• Over the call
• Physical Cloning

Watch this video for more details

  

First of all lets see type of SIM that can be cloned

COMP128v1: The most popular and clone-able version of SIM Cards, Distributed widely till 2004 in USA (2007 In ASIA Countries), Of the number of victim is older than 2004 in USA or 2007 in Asia, Chances are you can clone it pretty easily.

COMP128v2: The newer SIM's, Capable of better 3G Reception, Video Call Support, New and Secure firmware, Complex Design, Very Hard. If the SIM is bought after 2004, it is probably this version.

Things Required

1. Blank Sim programmable cards
2. A sim firmware writer
3. Software for reading a sim

using these few tools anyone can clone your sim, though a complete knowledge is required. when your sim is cloned they can do what ever they want to do and surely without your information. they can make a call using cloned sim or can use your data services. they get all the access to you whats app and other social networks and what not. A Cloned SIM Card, Now when somebody calls the victim, Both of the mobiles will ring, same will happen in the case of SMS, But only one can pick up the call. 

How to Find out if Your SIM card is Cloned
 
Well, there are two methods.

• Turn your phone off, try calling to your number. If it even rings, means a cloned SIM is running somewhere.
• When a SIM card is inserted in a mobile phone and the phone is started, the SIM card shares IMEI number of the mobile device in which it has been inserted with the network operator to get registered over the network.

Precautionary measures
Telecom operators like BSNL have reportedly issued alerts to all the broadband users. SMS alerts are also being issued to other subscribers. 

However, according to IT experts, the crooks can use other combination of numbers as well for making a call. So it is better not to respond to calls received from unusual calling numbers
It is also advised that important details like bank account, ATM/ Credit/Debit card numbers and passwords should not be stored in the phone memory because one may risk of passing on their vital details to unscrupulous people involved behind such activities.

Source: Hackers bulletin,Blog spot, Quora


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