On October 22, 2024, the DoT launched the ‘International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System’, a mechanism designed to identify and block fraudulent calls that appear to originate from Indian numbers but are actually made by cybercriminals abroad using manipulated calling line identities (CLI).
Within the first 24 hours of implementation, DoT said the system identified and blocked 13.5 million spoofed calls, representing a 90% reduction in such fraudulent calls. By December 2024, the number of spoofed calls had further reduced to approximately 6 lakh, indicating the system’s effectiveness in addressing this issue. These spoofed calls were often used in cybercrimes such as impersonation of government officials, threats of disconnection, fake arrests, and other fraudulent schemes.
However, fraudsters have shifted tactics, increasingly using international numbers that do not begin with India’s country code (+91), such as numbers starting with +8, +85, or +65.
The DoT has formed a dedicated task force comprising various stakeholders to address this. One key recommendation from the task force is for telecom service providers (TSPs) to display “International Call” on all incoming calls originating from outside India. Airtel has already implemented this feature, and other TSPs are exploring its feasibility.
The DoT has advised citizens to exercise caution when answering unfamiliar international calls, especially those claiming to be from Indian government authorities. Suspected fraudulent communications can be reported via the Chakshu facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal and cybercrime through the helpline (1930) or the official website.
The DoT continues to focus on curbing the misuse of telecom resources in cyber fraud and strengthening the security of telecom services. These measures aim to protect citizens and ensure a safe and reliable communication network.
Also read: TRAI issues new guidelines for telecom firms to introduce Voice+SMS plans
