On Monday, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) announced targeted actions to protect citizens following reports of fraudulent activities involving mobile numbers in Know Your Customer (KYC) update scams. The DoT has ordered the nationwide IMEI-based blocking of 392 mobile handsets used in cybercrimes and financial frauds, and the re-verification of 31,740 mobile connections linked to these devices.
“Vigilant and alert citizens have been proactive in reporting suspected fraud communications via the ‘Chakshu-Report Suspected Fraud Communications’ facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal. This helps the DoT combat and prevent cybercrimes and financial frauds,” the department stated.
Reports indicated that fraudsters have been using SMS and WhatsApp messages related for KYC updates, as well as malicious Android package kit (APK) files, to manipulate and gain control over victims’ devices. The DoT utilized the Chakshu portal to report and analyze these fraudulent activities, initially identifying five suspect numbers.
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“The DoT has directed all telecom service providers (TSPs) for nationwide IMEI-based blocking of 392 mobile handsets misused in cybercrimes and financial frauds. It also mandated the re-verification of 31,740 mobile connections linked to these devices,” the statement added. Any failure in re-verification will result in the immediate disconnection of the reported numbers and the blocking of the associated handsets.
