The government launched a new spam-tracking system on Tuesday, October 22, to prevent incoming international calls that spoof Indian phone numbers by blocking them. ‘The International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System’ was launched by Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia in the presence of Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar.
Improving Digital Security
The event was attended by senior officers including the Secretary of Telecom and other senior officials. “This is another milestone in the Department of Telecommunications’ effort towards building a safe digital environment to protect citizens from cybercrime,” Govt said.
Threats Explained
The spammers have been widely committing cyber-crimes by making spoofed international calls displaying Indian mobile numbers (+91-xxxxxxxxx). According to a press release by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the calls coming from within India are originating from abroad. The Calling Line Identity (CLI) has been forged to distort the identity.
Spoofed Calls Linked To The Following Frauds
- Financial Fraud
- Impersonation
- Creating Panic
The cases typically relate to cyber-crime threatening disconnection of mobile numbers by DoT/TRAI officials, fake digital arrests, drugs/narcotics in couriers, impersonation as police officials, arrest in sex racket, etc.
Effective Coordination For Prevention
DoT in collaboration with the Telecom Service (TSPs has launched a system that blocks incoming international scam calls from reaching Indian subscribers. Within the first 24 hours of its operation, it identified and blocked about 1.35 crore which constitute 90% of all incoming international calls that were appearing as Indian numbers.
With this system, Indian telecom subscribers are sure to experience a severe drop in calls with the +91-xxxxxxx numbers.
Reporting Suspected Fraudulent Calls
Despite such deterrent measures, sometimes fraudulent callers succeed through other gateways. It is suggested that people may report suspected fraud communications at the Chakshu facility available on Sanchar Saathi website: www.sancharsaasthi,gov.in
Those who have already lost money or are the victims of cybercrime must report the incident at the cybercrime helpline number 1930 or the website: https://www.cybercrime.gov.in
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