Mobile shops under scanner for unlocking phones in Hyderabad

Mobile phone shops in city are coming under the scanner for unlocking devices without verifying the identity of customers, with some technicians reportedly ignoring repeated advisories issued by cybercrime officials.

Sources said several mobile repair shops, for quick earnings, are unlocking phones, removing patterns and bypassing security features without asking customers to produce Aadhaar cards, purchase bills or the original gadget box to establish ownership.



Technicians are reportedly charging between Rs. 500 and Rs. 700 for unlocking a mobile phone.

According to sources, a number of individuals, including those involved in property offences, are approaching mobile markets to get locked devices opened. In several cases, stolen phones are allegedly being brought to shops for unlocking. When police trace such devices and contact the shop owners, technicians either hand over the details or claim ignorance about the ownership of the gadgets.