Centre warns against fraud calls claiming to disconnect mobile numbers

New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), under the Ministry of Communications, has issued an advisory to the citizens regarding fraud calls claiming to be from the DoT.

These fraud calls threaten recipients with mobile number disconnection or allege the misuse of their mobile numbers in illicit activities. Additionally, the DoT has warned about WhatsApp calls originating from foreign numbers, often impersonating government officials, and deceiving individuals.

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Such fraud calls are orchestrated by cyber criminals aiming to extract personal information for cyber crimes or financial frauds, the ministry said. The DoT has clarified that it does not authorise any such calls and urges people to remain vigilant, refraining from sharing any information upon receiving such calls.

The Centre also encouraged citizens to report instances of fraud communications through the ‘Chakshu-Report Suspected Fraud Communications’ feature available on the Sanchar Saathi portal (www.sancharsaathi.gov.in). Proactive reporting assists the DoT in thwarting the misuse of telecom resources for cyber crimes and financial fraud.

Furthermore, individuals are advised to utilize the ‘Know Your Mobile Connections’ facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal to verify mobile connections registered in their name and report any unauthorized or unnecessary connections.

In cases where individuals have fallen victim to cyber crimes or financial frauds or fraud calls, the DoT recommended reporting to the cyber-crime helpline number 1930 or visiting www.cybercrime.gov.in for assistance and resolution.