Fraudulent international calls are on the rise, targeting mobile users nationwide. The scams involve unknown numbers pretending to be from trusted organizations, deceiving individuals into sharing sensitive information or making payments. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently reported identifying over 1.35 crore fake calls within just 24 hours of launching its new detection system.
How Scammers Operate
Fraudsters use international numbers, often genuine ones, to pose as representatives of government agencies or organizations. By exploiting the trust of unsuspecting users, they gather personal data or extort money. The use of legitimate international numbers makes it harder to identify these scams.
To combat this issue, the government introduced the International Incoming Fake Call Prevention System on October 22. Within a single day, it flagged 90% of suspicious calls, which were then blocked by telecom operators. As scammers switched to using legitimate international numbers, further action was taken.
The DoT has advised caution when answering calls from unknown international numbers, especially those not starting with India’s country code, +91. Citizens are encouraged to avoid such calls and report those claiming to represent government agencies.
The New ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam
Scammers are now employing a tactic called the ‘digital arrest’ scam. They pose as police or CBI officers during video calls, accuse victims of serious crimes, and demand immediate payments to avoid arrest. The convincing nature of these scams can leave victims feeling compelled to comply.
Here's How to Prevent Yourself
- Never share personal or financial information with unknown callers.
- Verify the caller’s identity before engaging in any conversation.
- Avoid picking up calls from unfamiliar international numbers.
With scams becoming more sophisticated, staying informed and vigilant is crucial. If you suspect fraudulent activity, refrain from responding and report the incident to the appropriate authorities.