In a recent advisory issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), citizens have been warned about fraudulent calls targeting unsuspecting individuals. These calls, purportedly made in the name of the DoT, involve threats of mobile number disconnection or allegations of involvement in illegal activities.
The advisory highlights a concerning trend where cyber criminals, posing as government officials, attempt to coerce individuals into divulging personal information. Such information can then be exploited for various cyber-crimes and financial frauds.
DoT emphatically states that it does not authorize anyone to make such calls on its behalf. Therefore, citizens are urged to remain vigilant and refrain from sharing any personal information if they receive such calls.
To combat this growing threat, the DoT has established the ‘Chakshu-Report Suspected Fraud Communications’ facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal (www.sancharsaathi.gov.in). This proactive reporting mechanism enables the authorities to prevent the misuse of telecom resources for illicit activities.
Furthermore, citizens are encouraged to utilize the ‘Know Your Mobile Connections’ feature on the Sanchar Saathi portal to verify mobile connections registered under their name. Any unauthorized or unnecessary connections can be reported promptly.
In the event of falling victim to cyber-crime or financial fraud, individuals are advised to report the incident to the cyber-crime helpline number 1930 or visit www.cybercrime.gov.in.
This advisory serves as a reminder for citizens to exercise caution and take necessary precautions against falling prey to fraudulent schemes. By staying informed and promptly reporting suspicious activities, individuals can play a crucial role in safeguarding themselves and others from cyber threats.