The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India has made significant strides in combating cyber-crimes and financial frauds facilitated through international spoofed calls. Previously, fraudsters used tactics to deceive Indian citizens by displaying Indian mobile numbers (+91-xxxxx) on their calls, despite the calls originating from abroad. This manipulation of Calling Line Identity (CLI) allowed scammers to conduct illicit activities under the guise of domestic calls.
To address this issue, DoT collaborated with Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to develop an International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System. The system, which was launched successfully, has proven to be effective in blocking 90% of incoming international calls identified as spoofed. In just 24 hours, approximately 1.35 crore spoofed calls were intercepted, leading to a significant decrease in the daily occurrence of spoofed calls with Indian numbers.
As a result of the system’s success, scammers abroad have shifted their tactics to using international numbers for spoofing. In response, DoT mandated TSPs to label all incoming calls from outside India as “International Calls.” This measure aims to alert citizens that calls from international numbers may not be from legitimate organizations like DoT, TRAI, or government agencies.
Furthermore, DoT instructed TSPs to block traffic from international carriers that persistently send spoofed CLI call traffic to India. Several Indian International Telecom Service Providers, including Airtel, BSNL, and RJIL, have complied with this directive and blocked over 20 carriers/aggregators responsible for transmitting spoofed international calls.
Citizens have also played a crucial role in combating fraudulent activities by reporting suspicious calls to DoT through the Sanchar Saathi mobile app and portal. The collaboration between citizens and DoT enables swift action against carriers and aggregators involved in fraudulent activities. The recently launched Sanchar Saathi App allows users to report fraudulent calls directly from their mobile phone call logs, streamlining the process and enhancing efforts to thwart fraudulent communications.
DoT remains dedicated to safeguarding telecom resources and ensuring a secure environment for all citizens by implementing advanced solutions and fostering collaboration with stakeholders. The proactive reporting of fraudulent activities by citizens on the Sanchar Saathi platform can significantly contribute to the prevention of illicit practices originating from international numbers. The Sanchar Saathi mobile app is available for download on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, providing an accessible platform for reporting suspected fraud calls.
By raising awareness, implementing technical measures, and encouraging citizen participation, DoT continues to combat cyber-crimes and financial frauds perpetrated through international spoofed calls. Through collective efforts and vigilance, a secure telecom ecosystem can be maintained for the benefit of all stakeholders.