How Scammers Are Hijacking Your Phone Network And Changing 5G To 2G

Last Updated:February 05, 2026, 20:21 IST

Cybercriminals use portable devices to mimic a mobile tower and temporarily disrupt the real signal, forcing nearby phones to connect to their network

A government report indicates that telecom-related fraud cases increased by nearly 300% between 2024 and 2025. (AI-Image)

If your phone is suddenly flooded with urgent messages about power cuts, KYC updates, expiring reward points, part-time jobs, or courier parcels “stuck" and needing immediate action, authorities say it may not be a coincidence. Cyber experts warn that such messages could be coming from fraudsters operating close to you, using a device known as an SMS blaster or IMSI catcher to trap unsuspecting users.

An SMS blaster essentially works like a fake mobile tower. Mobile phones normally connect to the nearest legitimate tower for network access. However, cybercriminals can use these portable devices to mimic a tower, temporarily disrupt the real signal, and force nearby phones to connect to their network within a radius of roughly 500 metres. Once this happens, victims begin receiving a flood of fraudulent SMS messages.

The device works by pushing phones to switch from secure 4G or 5G networks to the older 2G network. Security on 2G is much weaker, making it easier for attackers to manipulate sender information. Instead of displaying a phone number, messages may appear to come from names such as “HDFC-BANK", “SBI-SEC" or “INCOME-TAX", which makes them look legitimate and increases the chances of people trusting them.

These messages often carry urgent warnings or tempting offers. Common examples include claims that bank KYC is incomplete and accounts will be blocked, alerts that reward points worth thousands of rupees are about to expire, threats of electricity disconnection due to unpaid bills, courier notifications asking users to update addresses, or promises of part-time jobs offering daily income. Clicking on the links in such messages can expose banking details, allow access to personal data, and even interfere with OTP-based verification, making fraud easier.

Investigations in recent months suggest that such scams are spreading rapidly. In December 2025, the CBI conducted simultaneous raids in Delhi, Noida and Chandigarh, dismantling a large network allegedly sending fraudulent messages to lakhs of people daily. Officials recovered hundreds of USB hubs, servers and thousands of fake SIM cards. The involvement of insiders linked to telecom systems is also under suspicion.

In January 2026, Cyberabad police in Hyderabad busted a foreign-linked gang and arrested 25 people accused of cheating victims of over Rs 5 crore through fake trading apps and bank alerts. According to police, the accused carried SMS blaster devices to crowded places and sent bulk messages under sender names resembling bank alerts. Investigators said the group had connections to countries such as Cambodia and China.

A Home Ministry report indicates that telecom-related fraud cases increased by nearly 300% between 2024 and 2025.

Government data compiled by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) shows cyber fraud complaints surged in 2025. During the year, citizens reportedly lost more than Rs 30,000 crore, with over 40 lakh complaints registered. Authorities have blocked more than 15 lakh suspicious SIM cards and over 5,00,000 mobile phone numbers (IMEIs), but criminals continue to evolve new methods. Officials estimate that currently only about 10-12% of the money lost in such scams is recovered.

Experts advise simple precautions to stay safe. Users should disable 2G connectivity in their phone settings under SIM or network options, as scammers often exploit 2G to gain access. Any message claiming to be from a bank or service provider and containing a link should be treated with suspicion, and people should instead use official apps or websites. Sudden disappearance of 4G or 5G signals, with the phone showing only 2G, can also be a warning sign.

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