The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and mobile operators have collaborated to develop a system aimed at blocking spoof international calls that pretend to originate from Indian numbers. This innovative solution brings much-needed relief to countless mobile users who have fallen victim to cyber criminals using tactics such as impersonating police officials, FedEx staff, or even posing as DoT and Trai authorities.
These spoof international calls typically come from outside the country, but fraudsters manipulate the calling line identity (CLI) to make it appear as though the calls are coming from within India. To combat this deceptive practice, the DoT has instructed telecom carriers to take action and block such fraudulent calls.
According to reports, criminals have been using spoofed international calls with Indian mobile numbers to deceive Indian citizens and carry out various cyber crimes and financial frauds. These calls, although seemingly originating from India, are actually being made by cyber criminals located abroad who manipulate the CLI for malicious purposes. Such fraudulent calls have been linked to a range of scams including fake digital arrests, FedEx scams, drug smuggling under the guise of courier shipments, impersonation of government and police officials, and even unauthorized disconnections of mobile numbers by bogus DoT/Trai representatives.
In response to numerous complaints, the DoT together with telecom service providers (TSPs) have devised a mechanism to identify and prevent incoming international spoofed calls from reaching Indian subscribers. Directives have been issued to TSPs to block these deceitful calls, providing a layer of protection for mobile users across the country.
Furthermore, incoming international spoofed calls displaying Indian landline numbers are already being blocked by TSPs in alignment with the DoT’s guidelines. The DoT emphasizes the importance of user safety and security as integral components of the Digital India vision, with initiatives like the citizen-centric Sanchar Saathi portal working to safeguard telecom users.
While efforts are being made to combat fraudulent activities, there is always a possibility that some fraudsters may find alternate methods to deceive the public. In such cases, consumers are encouraged to report any suspected fraudulent communications through the Chakshu facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal.
The DoT is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) analysis through platforms like Sanchar Saathi and Chakshu to crack down on illicit connections and protect users from potential harm. By implementing these proactive measures, the DoT is striving to create a more secure environment for mobile users in India.
