Cyber Fraud

Regulatory

DoT Introduces 10-Digit Numbering Series for Government and Financial Calls

The Department of Telecom (DoT) has introduced a distinct 10-digit numbering series starting with 160 for service and transactional calls made by government entities, regulators, and financial institutions, according to an office memorandum issue. This new numbering system aims to help telecom subscribers identify the calling entity, telecom operator, and the origin of the call. […]

Blocking International Calls Ordered by Indian Government

Regulatory

Indian Government Orders Blocking International Calls

Fraudsters have been reported to make international spoofed calls displaying Indian mobile numbers to Indian citizens, committing cyber-crime and financial fraud. These calls appear to originate within India but are actually made by cyber-criminals abroad who manipulate the calling line identity (CLI). Recently, these spoofed calls have been used in fake digital arrests, FedEx scams, […]

Regulatory

DoT Orders to Block 18 Lakhs Mobile Numbers

Recent updates reveal that around 1.8 million mobile numbers are set to be blocked by India’s leading telecom companies, marking the government’s most significant action against cybercrime and online fraud to date. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued an order to disconnect over 28,000 mobile handsets used for cybercrime. Following this, telecom companies have […]

Regulatory

+ 92 Country Code WhatsApp Call Should Not be Received, Says DoT

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 […]

Regulatory

Chakshu Portal & DIP: Governments New Measures Against Cyber Frauds & Misusing Telecom Resource

The Ministry of Communications (MoC) has introduced two new initiatives today: the ‘Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP)’ and the ‘Chakshu’ facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal. These initiatives by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) aim to empower citizens to report suspected fraudulent communication and enhance coordination among stakeholders in combating cyber-crime and financial frauds, as announced […]

Informative

What Is Smishing? Know How it Works & Preventive Measures

“Smishing” is a cybersecurity term that combines “SMS” with “phishing,” referring to a type of cyberattack where attackers use text messages to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information or performing certain actions. Similar to email phishing, smishing attempts to exploit human vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to personal information, financial accounts, or sensitive data. Here’s […]

Telecom Industry

Smishing / SMS Fraud: A New Worry for Telecom Operators

Smishing, also known as SMS fraud, is experiencing a surge in many countries, driven by the widespread adoption of smartphones. This poses a significant challenge for telecom operators convening at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, the industry’s premier annual event. What is Smishing? Smishing, a portmanteau of “SMS” and “phishing,” refers to a […]

Regulatory

DoT issues consumer advisory to prevent cyber fraud

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a warning, advising consumers against dialing *401# followed by an unknown mobile number due to the potential for cyber fraud. According to the DoT’s statement, individuals should be cautious about responding to suspicious incoming calls instructing them to dial *401# followed by an unfamiliar mobile number. The DoT […]