SMS Blaster: The Device Hijacking Your Phone Network for Cyber Fraud

• Cyber scammers are using a device called an 'SMS Blaster' or 'IMSI Catcher' to send fraudulent messages.
• This device acts as a fake mobile tower, jamming real networks and forcing phones onto insecure 2G networks within a 500-meter radius.
• Fraudsters exploit weak 2G security to send messages appearing from legitimate entities like 'HDFC-BANK' or 'INCOME-TAX', luring victims with fake KYC, reward points, or parcel delivery alerts.
• Clicking on malicious links in these messages can lead to banking information theft and OTP interception, resulting in financial loss.
• Major incidents in India include CBI raids in Delhi, Noida, and Chandigarh, and a foreign gang bust in Hyderabad, highlighting a 300% increase in telecom fraud cases.