In a bid to crack down on fraudulent activities targeting mobile users via text messages, the Department of Telecom (DoT) has initiated measures to block handsets involved in such illicit activities and disconnect associated mobile numbers. The DoT introduced the Chakshu portal two months ago to address telecom fraud grievances. Since its launch, the department has blacklisted 52 entities responsible for disseminating malicious and phishing SMSes. Additionally, it has blocked 348 mobile handsets nationwide and flagged 10,834 suspected mobile numbers for re-verification.
Responding to a social media post regarding SMS-related fraud, the DoT confirmed blocking the mentioned mobile number and associated handsets linked to it, totaling 20 devices. The department urged users to promptly report any suspected fraudulent activities to the Chakshu platform.
Official sources reveal that the DoT has deactivated 700 SMS content templates and flagged over 10,000 suspected mobile numbers for re-verification with telecom operators. Furthermore, 8,272 mobile connections have been disconnected for failing re-verification by April 30, 2024. Additionally, the DoT has blocked 1.58 lakh unique IMEI numbers associated with cybercrimes, financial frauds, or mobile connections obtained using counterfeit documents.
As of April 30 this year, the DoT has terminated a total of 1.66 crore mobile connections. Among these, 30.14 lakh were disconnected based on user feedback, while 53.78 lakh were cut off for exceeding individual limits on purchasing new SIM cards, according to official data.
