How to prepare for a SIM loss/damage scenario??

[roadrash99]

I've been thinking about what would happen if I lost my phone. Protecting your device, remotely locking it, and all that is possible and obvious enough these days, but what about the SIM card that we use to register for almost all services, especially critical ones like banking. Some of these services (like Google) sometimes will determine that the login attempt is suspicious and don't even let you log in without your phone even if you know the password.

So wondering how can I make sure that in the event of me losing access to my phone number, how can I be prepared in advance so that getting it back is as easy as possible for me.

Have any of you been in a similar situation, what did you have to do??

 

[Renegade]

You will have to lodge an FIR immediately and contact your service provider with your ID proof and FIR to block the old SIM and issue you a replacement SIM.

In case of SIM change all SMS traffic to your new SIM will also be blocked for 24 hours to prevent any malicious SIM change.

If you really want to be prepared, keep a written application ready, police station and service provide service centres starred on your google maps and favorite ride hailing app.

A better protection would be to use all 3 factors of authentication wherever possible, especially the last one. Something you know (password), something you have (OTP) and something you are (biometric).

 

[roadrash99]

You will have to lodge an FIR immediately and contact your service provider with your ID proof and FIR to block the old SIM and issue you a replacement SIM.

What do the service providers use to verify that you are the owner of the number?? My biggest concern is that my SIM is not even registered in my name, It's a really old number from 2000s. Airtel app used to show some random guy's name (I'm guessing the shopkeeper) and there used to be no option to update it. Now I can see airtel does allow you to change the name (but not address) in the profile, so I have updated it, but is that enough? Do they use Aadhar for verifying it's your number? I do have the number linked to my aadhaar so if they use that I should be alright.

Another question, does eSIM improve your recovery experience (or time) in such a scenario?? Dealing with the police is always best avoided if possible.

 

[kuduku]

What do the service providers use to verify that you are the owner of the number?? My biggest concern is that my SIM is not even registered in my name, It's a really old number from 2000s. Airtel app used to show some random guy's name (I'm guessing the shopkeeper) and there used to be no option to update it. Now I can see airtel does allow you to change the name (but not address) in the profile, so I have updated it, but is that enough? Do they use Aadhar for verifying it's your number? I do have the number linked to my aadhaar so if they use that I should be alright.

Another question, does eSIM improve your recovery experience (or time) in such a scenario?? Dealing with the police is always best avoided if possible.

After the last KYC update your number should have been verified . Check that . Private telco were very quick about it as this also got customer KYC data for their bank /UPI wallets etc

 

[prime]

What do the service providers use to verify that you are the owner of the number?? My biggest concern is that my SIM is not even registered in my name, It's a really old number from 2000s. Airtel app used to show some random guy's name (I'm guessing the shopkeeper) and there used to be no option to update it. Now I can see airtel does allow you to change the name (but not address) in the profile, so I have updated it, but is that enough? Do they use Aadhar for verifying it's your number? I do have the number linked to my aadhaar so if they use that I should be alright.

Another question, does eSIM improve your recovery experience (or time) in such a scenario?? Dealing with the police is always best avoided if possible.

If you have any doubts about ownership of your number, change your operator through MNP. Create a port code and go to new operator with your id (name, address). You will get sim in your name. If you want, change to your previous operator after 90 days.

 

[Renegade]

What do the service providers use to verify that you are the owner of the number?? My biggest concern is that my SIM is not even registered in my name, It's a really old number from 2000s. Airtel app used to show some random guy's name (I'm guessing the shopkeeper) and there used to be no option to update it. Now I can see airtel does allow you to change the name (but not address) in the profile, so I have updated it, but is that enough? Do they use Aadhar for verifying it's your number? I do have the number linked to my aadhaar so if they use that I should be alright.

Another question, does eSIM improve your recovery experience (or time) in such a scenario?? Dealing with the police is always best avoided if possible.

As @prime mentioned, change your operator so that its in your name. The operator will want your details and proof to issue you a new SIM. Just updating on your profile on the app is not enough. The eKYC with Aadhaar is important.

eSIM does not improve your recovery experience because for activating eSIM you will need a physical SIM first, and you will get a physical SIM after going through all the above steps of FIR and service centre visit. You cannot escape the FIR.

What eSIM does provide is security as physical SIM is more likely to be stolen, tampered or cloned.

 

[roadrash99]

After the last KYC update your number should have been verified . Check that . Private telco were very quick about it as this also got customer KYC data for their bank /UPI wallets etc

Anyway I can check this?? Couldn't really find anything in the app. I am on airtel would prefer to do this KYC thing rather than port and port back.

 

[Renegade]

They will probably not be able to help you with it. From their perspective you have come to them with someone else' SIM and want them to transfer it to your name without any supporting documents.

Best way to check is to visit a local Airtel service centre near you and ask them for a SIM replacement cause you want a 5G nano SIM. Its like a full dress rehearsal.