Cyber Fraud: If your phone suddenly gets flooded with messages like power cut, KYC update, reward points exhausted, part-time job or courier stuck, then don’t dismiss it as just a coincidence. Cyber security experts say that many times such messages are the work of fraudsters active around you who use dangerous devices like SMS blaster or IMSI catcher.
What is SMS Blaster and how does it work?
SMS Blaster actually works like a fake mobile tower. Usually the phone connects to the real tower nearby but with the help of a portable device, fraudsters weaken the real signal for some time. After this, nearby phones, within a radius of about 500 meters, unknowingly get connected to the same fake network. As soon as the connection is established, fraudulent messages start coming on the phone.
Why does 2G network become a weapon of thugs?
The most important role in this whole trick is played by 2G network. This device removes the phone from secure networks like 4G or 5G and brings it to the older 2G, where security is much weaker. Taking advantage of this weakness, fraudsters change the name of the person sending the message. Instead of numbers, names like HDFC-BANK, SBI-SEC or INCOME-TAX appear on the screen, which makes the message appear genuine and people easily believe it.
The real trap is hidden in the message
In these messages either fear is created or greed is given. At some places there is threat of closure of bank account, at some places there is talk of loss of rewards worth thousands of rupees and at some places there is threat of power cut or courier update. Many messages promise daily earnings in the name of part-time job. By clicking on the link given in these, bank details can be leaked, personal information can be lost and OTP based security also becomes weak.
This game is spreading rapidly across the country
In recent months, cases of such fraud have come to light rapidly. In December 2025, CBI conducted simultaneous raids in Delhi, Noida and Chandigarh and busted a big network which was sending millions of fake messages every day. Hundreds of USB hubs, servers and thousands of fake SIM cards were recovered during the investigation. Doubts were also raised on the role of some insiders associated with the telecom system.
Foreign connections and fraud worth crores
In January 2026, Cyberabad Police of Hyderabad caught a gang with foreign links which had defrauded more than Rs 5 crore through fake trading apps and bank alerts. The accused had SMS blasters with which they used to send messages with names like bank in crowded areas. The investigation also revealed their links to Cambodia and China.
Growing figures and scary truth
The Home Ministry report shows that between 2024 and 2025, cases of telecom fraud have increased by about 300 percent. According to I4C data, in 2025, people suffered a loss of more than Rs 30 thousand crore due to cyber fraud and more than 40 lakh complaints were registered. The government has blocked more than 15 lakh suspicious SIMs and more than 5 lakh mobile IMEIs, yet fraudsters are finding new ways. Experts believe that at present only 10–12 percent of the defrauded amount is recovered.
How to keep yourself safe?
Experts advise that turning off the 2G network by going to the phone’s settings can be a big protection because fraudsters take advantage of this. Do not blindly click on any link in the name of a bank or any service provider and always use the official app or website only. If suddenly 4G or 5G disappears from your phone and only 2G starts appearing, then consider it a warning and be alert.
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