New Delhi
The government on Sunday directed Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to block incoming international spoofed calls. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and TSPs have collaborated to create a system to identify and block these fraudulent calls from reaching Indian telecom users.
The Ministry of Communications stated that fraudsters are making international spoofed calls using Indian mobile numbers to commit cybercrimes and financial frauds. These calls, which appear to be from within India, are actually made by cyber-criminals abroad who manipulate the calling line identity (CLI).
These spoofed calls have been exploited in various scams, such as fake digital arrests, FedEx frauds, drug and narcotic courier scams, impersonations of government and police officials, and fake notifications about mobile number disconnections from DoT/TRAI officials.
Previously, the DoT instructed TSPs to block international spoofed calls with Indian landline numbers. Now, the directives have been extended to include all such incoming international spoofed calls.
To ensure user safety and security, DoT has implemented several initiatives, including the Sanchar Saathi portal, to protect telecom users. However, despite these efforts, some fraudsters may still find ways to succeed. Users are encouraged to report suspected fraudulent communications through the Chakshu facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal to help combat these scams.
