The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently issued an advisory to citizens about calls impersonating DoT, threatening people of disconnecting their mobile numbers. Reports of calls being made to citizens are surfacing where callers, in the name of DoT, are threatening that all of their mobile numbers would be disconnected or the citizens’ mobile numbers are being misused in some illegal activities.
The advisory highlights a concerning trend where cyber criminals, posing as government officials, attempt to coerce individuals into divulging personal information. Such information can then be exploited for various cyber-crimes such as financial frauds.
The DoT also issued advisory about WhatsApp calls from foreign origin mobile numbers (like +92) impersonating government officials and duping the people. "Cyber criminals through such calls try to threaten/steal personal information to carry out cyber-crime/financial frauds," the DoT said.
The DoT said it does not authorise anyone to make such calls on its behalf and has advised people to stay vigilant and not to share any information on receiving such calls.
What can be done?
The government has also advised citizens to report such fraud communications at 'Chakshu-Report Suspected Fraud Communications' facility of 'Sanchar Saathi portal'. This proactive reporting mechanism enables the authorities to prevent the misuse of telecom resources for illicit activities.
Further, citizens can check the mobile connections in their name at 'Know Your Mobile Connections' facility of Sanchar Saathi portal and report any mobile connection not taken by them or not required.
In the event of falling victim to cyber-crime or financial fraud, individuals are advised to report the incident to the cyber-crime helpline number 1930 or visit www.cybercrime.gov.in.