Goa: Cybercriminals Using Gaming Apps to Hire Bank Accounts and SIM Cards ( young individual ) - How it happens

Cybercriminals in Goa have found a new way to trick people — they are using popular gaming apps to reach out to young people and tempt them with easy money. The Goa police’s cybercrime cell recently discovered that fraudsters are contacting people through gaming apps like PUBG, Free Fire, and others.

They start by building a friendly connection while playing the games. Once trust is built, they ask the victim to “rent” or “sell” their bank account and SIM card. They promise good money in return. Many young people, especially students who need quick cash, fall for this trap.

Once the criminals get hold of the bank account and SIM card, they use them to move money from other scams. The real owners become scapegoats if police trace these illegal transactions. Many people have faced legal trouble without knowing what was happening.

Police say that in the last six months, they have found several cases where people gave away their bank accounts for just a few thousand rupees. But in reality, their bank accounts were used for scams worth lakhs or crores of rupees.

The Goa police are warning everyone to be careful when someone online, even a gaming friend, asks for your bank details or SIM card. They are planning to spread awareness in schools and colleges so that students don’t become easy targets.

If you get such offers, the police advise you to say no immediately and report it.

Remember: giving away your bank account or SIM card is like giving away your identity — and you could end up paying a heavy price for it.