The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a warning to mobile users regarding the receipt of calls from foreign origin numbers, such as those starting with +92, on WhatsApp. Additionally, the DoT clarified on 29th Mar 2024 that users should exercise caution and refrain from sharing any personal information if they receive calls where the caller claims to be a government official and threatens to disconnect their mobile number due to alleged involvement in illegal activities.
In an advisory directed at mobile users, the DoT urged citizens to promptly report any such fraudulent communications through the ‘Chakshu-Report Suspected Fraud Communications’ feature on the Sanchar Saathi portal. This proactive reporting mechanism is intended to assist the DoT in preventing the misuse of telecom resources for cybercrimes and financial frauds.
Furthermore, the DoT advised individuals to report incidents of cybercrime or financial fraud to the cybercrime helpline number 1930 or via the website if they have fallen victim to such offenses. Cybercriminals often attempt to obtain personal information through deceptive calls to carry out various forms of cybercrime or financial fraud. The DoT emphasized that it does not authorize anyone to make such calls on its behalf and urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid sharing any sensitive information upon receiving such calls.
Instances have been reported of individuals receiving calls purportedly from the DoT, where the callers threaten to disconnect all of their mobile numbers or allege that their mobile numbers are being misused for illegal activities. Additionally, there have been cases of WhatsApp calls originating from foreign numbers, particularly those with the country code +92 (Pakistan), with callers posing as government officials and deceiving people. It is noteworthy that Indian local calls typically commence with the country code +91.
