Duplicate SIM fraud, Vodafone fined

Ground Report | New Delhi: Duplicate SIM fraud; The IT (Information Technology) department in Rajasthan has asked Vodafone Idea to pay a fine of Rs 27.5 lakh to one of its customers in a case.

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Duplicate SIM fraud

According to the report of the Times of India newspaper, the telecom company had issued a duplicate SIM without the correct identity of the subscriber, and using that SIM, Rs 68.5 lakh was illegally withdrawn from the victim's bank account.

The person to whom the duplicate SIM was issued, withdrew Rs 68.5 lakh from an IDBI Bank account and transferred it to his accounts. Later he returned Rs 44 lakh to the victim. But the balance amount was not refunded to the victim. On 25 May 2017, the victim's mobile number was suddenly switched off. He complained about this to the Hanumangarh office of Vodafone Idea, after which he was given a new SIM. Despite repeated complaints, the company did not activate the new SIM.

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Victim complained

Thereafter, the victim complained to the company's Jaipur office where her SIM was activated the next day but in the meantime, Rs 68.5 lakh was withdrawn from her account. In this order issued against Vodafone Idea, it has been said that it will compensate the victim Rs 2.31 lakh interest, Rs 72,000 on deposit, and Rs 24 lakh loss.

If the company fails to pay this amount within a month, it will have to pay interest at the rate of 10 percent. Vodafone can challenge this order in a competent court.

Vodafone fined

The provisions of the IT Act allow the Department of IT and Communications to ensure justice to those who have suffered due to laxity by telecom firms in doing due diligence before issuing SIM cards.

The order states that Vodafone Idea will have to pay Rs 2.31 lakh as interest and Rs 24 lakh loss amount in addition to Rs 72,000 deposited by the applicant (Krishna Lal Nain). If the telecom company fails to pay the money within a month, 10% interest will be charged. Vodafone Idea has the option to challenge the other in high courts and tribunals.

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