To combat the surge of fraudulent calls from international numbers, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched a two-tiered system designed to identify and block scam calls. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the security of India’s telecom network and safeguard users against increasingly sophisticated fraudsters who exploit international channels.
The first phase of this system mandates telecom service providers (TSPs) to prevent spoofed calls originating from their networks. Spoofed calls often mimic legitimate numbers, making it challenging for recipients to discern their authenticity. The second phase, set to launch soon, will extend this protection to spoofed calls made by subscribers of other telecom operators, adding an extra layer of security.
On October 4, the Ministry of Communications announced that all four major telecom providers in India have successfully implemented the system, with approximately 4.5 million spoofed calls—about one-third of total incidents—blocked before reaching users. The upcoming phase will utilize a centralized system to intercept these fraudulent calls across all TSPs.
Despite these advancements, the Ministry warns that fraudsters may still devise ways to bypass the system, urging users to remain vigilant. Recently, there has been a notable increase in scam calls via platforms like WhatsApp, highlighting the global nature of telecom fraud.
To further bolster consumer protection, the government has established a Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU) to combat cybercrime and financial fraud. The Sanchar Saathi portal allows citizens to block and trace lost or stolen mobile phones, while the Digital Intelligence Platform facilitates the sharing of vital information among stakeholders to prevent scams.
Moreover, the DoT has harnessed artificial intelligence (AI) tools to detect and deactivate mobile connections obtained through forged Know Your Customer (KYC) documents. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is also implementing AI and machine learning (ML) systems to block spam calls and SMS from unregistered telemarketers, alongside exploring a mandatory Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) system to ensure caller identity visibility.
In a bid to reduce spam calls, TRAI is considering differential tariffs for users who make over 50 calls or send more than 50 SMS daily, targeting excessive, potentially spammy behaviors.
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