Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Telegram Bot Sells Indian Citizens' Sensitive Data for Rs99

Regulators face pressure to crack down on the bot after it was found offering current, breach-sourced profiles that facilitate identity scams.

Image
An unnamed Telegram bot is reportedly selling Indian users’ personal data
Telegram Bot data theft
Image

Overview

  • The bot discovered by Digit offers detailed personal profiles—including Aadhaar, PAN and voter ID numbers—for Rs99 per search or Rs4,999 for monthly access.
  • The service delivers names, addresses, alternate phone numbers and government IDs within seconds to anyone submitting a mobile number.
  • The information is reportedly accurate and up to four years old, drawn from breaches of utilities, fintech apps and telecom firms.
  • Experts warn the exposed data can be used for fraudulent KYC, loan scams, SIM cloning and other malicious activities.
  • Telegram has not disabled the bot, prompting calls for stricter platform oversight, and authorities have advised users to lock Aadhaar numbers and avoid unsolicited data requests.