A disturbing new report shows a Telegram bot offering extremely sensitive personal data—including Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID, addresses, and family details—for just ₹99 per search. Researchers verified the service is real, accurate, and incredibly fast, exposing a serious threat to Indian citizens’ privacy
How the Bot Works
- Users simply enter a 10-digit mobile number, and within seconds receive a full personal profile: name, father’s name, current and past addresses, alternate phone numbers, Aadhaar & PAN numbers, and voter ID details
- Pricing varies from ₹99 per search to ₹4,999 for unlimited monthly access businesstoday
Origins & Accuracy of Data
The leaked information appears both recent (1–4 years old) and accurate, suggesting it’s aggregated from past data breaches involving telecoms, fintech platforms, and public utilities. Experts warn this data is sufficient to facilitate identity theft, SIM swapping, fake KYC, loan frauds, and targeting families
Why This Is a National Security Crisis
- Such easily purchasable, accurate data can be exploited for bank fraud, identity theft, or unauthorised access to financial services.
- The fact that it is sold via a public Telegram bot highlights platform moderation gaps and law enforcement’s lack of oversight
- Telegram’s encryption and bot infrastructure may enable digital criminals to operate anonymously and persistently
How to Protect Yourself
Cybersecurity experts recommend:
- Lock your Aadhaar using the UIDAI portal.
- Audit your digital footprint and limit information shared online.
- Avoid unverified SIM/KYC requests.
- Report suspicious activity to 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in
What Needs to Change
| Area | Required Action |
|---|---|
| Platform moderation | Telegram must monitor and remove such data-selling bots proactively. |
| Law enforcement | Agencies must track and shut down these operations. |
| Data regulation | India needs stronger privacy laws and stricter consequences for misuse. |
Bottom Line
That incredibly sensitive personal information is being sold for just ₹99 per mobile number underscores a severe data protection failure. Until Telegram upgrades its policing and India enforces stricter digital privacy rules, citizens remain dangerously exposed to exploitation.
