Pavan Trikutam on Government Directs Blocking of International Spoofed Calls Using Indian Numbers
New Delhi, May 26, 2024: The Ministry of Communications has issued directives to block incoming international spoofed calls displaying Indian mobile numbers. This measure is in response to rising incidents of cybercrime and financial fraud perpetrated through such calls, which appear to originate within India but are actually made by cybercriminals abroad manipulating the calling line identity (CLI).
Increasing Cases of Fraud
Fraudsters have exploited these spoofed calls in various scams, including fake digital arrests, FedEx scams, narcotics courier schemes, and impersonations of government and police officials. There have also been reports of fraudsters posing as officials from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to deceive citizens about disconnections of mobile numbers.
New System for Blocking Calls
In response, the DoT and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have developed a system to identify and block these spoofed calls from reaching Indian telecom subscribers. Directions have been issued to TSPs to implement the blocking of such calls. Notably, TSPs are already blocking incoming international spoofed calls using Indian landline numbers, as per previous DoT instructions.
Protecting Telecom Users
Ensuring user safety and security is a key aspect of the Digital India vision. The DoT has initiated several measures to protect telecom users, including the citizen-centric Sanchar Saathi portal (https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/). Despite these efforts, some fraudsters may still find ways to bypass security measures.
Reporting Suspected Fraud
The government urges citizens to report any suspected fraud communications via the Chakshu facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal, aiding in the collective effort to combat telecom fraud.
This proactive step underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding telecom users against cyber threats and enhancing the overall security of digital communications in India.
