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TSP
AI technology Cyber Security DoT Mobile Connection SIM Spoofed Calls Telecom Telecommunication TSP

India Disconnects 1.77 Crore Mobile Connections Using AI Tools, Blocks 45 Lakh Spoofed Calls

 

The Indian government has disconnected over 1.77 crore mobile connections registered with fake or forged documents using AI-powered tools, according to a recent announcement by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The AI-based system has identified and blocked 45 lakh spoofed international calls, preventing them from entering the Indian telecom network. This initiative is part of a larger effort to curb telecom fraud and cybercrime, with four telecom service providers collaborating with DoT to implement a more advanced two-phase system. 

In the first phase, the system blocks spoofed calls at the telecom service provider (TSP) level, targeting those that attempt to use numbers from the provider’s own subscribers. In the second phase, a centralized system will be introduced to tackle spoofed calls using numbers from other TSPs, thereby ensuring more comprehensive protection. The Ministry of Communications announced that this centralized system is expected to be operational soon, enhancing the safety of Indian telecom subscribers. Alongside these efforts, the government has disconnected 33.48 lakh mobile connections and blocked 49,930 mobile handsets, particularly in districts considered to be cybercrime hotspots. About 77.61 lakh mobile connections exceeding the prescribed limits for individuals were also deactivated. 

The AI tools have further enabled the identification and blocking of 2.29 lakh mobile phones involved in fraudulent activities or cybercrime. Additionally, the DoT traced 12.02 lakh out of 21.03 lakh reported stolen or lost mobile phones. It also blocked 32,000 SMS headers, 2 lakh SMS templates, and 20,000 entities engaged in malicious messaging activities, preventing cybercriminals from sending fraudulent SMSs. Approximately 11 lakh accounts linked to fraudulent mobile connections have been frozen by banks and payment wallets, while WhatsApp has deactivated 11 lakh profiles associated with these numbers. 

In an effort to curb the sale of SIM cards issued with fake documents, 71,000 Point of Sale (SIM agents) have been blacklisted, and 365 FIRs have been filed. These measures represent a significant crackdown on telecom-related cybercrime, demonstrating the government’s commitment to making India’s telecom sector more secure through the use of advanced technology. The upcoming centralized system will further bolster this security, as it will address spoofed calls from all telecom providers.
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TSP
Calling Line Identity Cyber Fraud Cyberattacks CyberCrime Cybersecurity Cyberthreats DoT Fraud Calls Spoofed Calls telecommunications TSP

DoT Introduces New System to Block Spoofed Calls

 


There has been an increase in fraudulent telephone calls disguised as local numbers in recent years which has alarmed Indian citizens. Messages sent by cybercriminals operating internationally originate from Calling Line Identity (CLI) systems that allow them to mask their true origins by masking their callers' actual localizations. Some victims have reported threats of being disconnected from their mobile phone service, being falsely arrested, being impersonated as government officials, and being falsely accused of marijuana and sex fraud. 

To deal with this escalating threat, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is taking significant steps to ensure citizens' safety while enhancing the security of the telecommunication ecosystem as a whole. As a result of the unfortunate development of a fraudulent call in Agra, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has decided to deactivate the WhatsApp account which was linked to the scam call in Agra, but it couldn't be deactivated until Friday. 

Governing bodies are urging citizens to report any suspicious messages or calls via the Chakshu portal at http://sancharsaathi.gov.in/chakshu so that the DoT can investigate. DoT has introduced a new system for the detection and blocking of international or spoofed calls before they enter Indian territory in response to the increased threat of scams of this nature. This system has been developed in collaboration with Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to prevent such scams from reaching Indian users. This system will be implemented at both a local level and at a central level. 

The first stage will be on the local level where calls will be blocked with numbers won from subscribers belonging to TSPs, and a second stage will be implemented at a central level where spoofed calls will be blocked with numbers won from other TSPs. It wants to put a stop to the rising number of fraudulent calls, which are being disguised as coming from Indian mobile numbers, according to a statement released by the Department of Telecommunications on Friday. 

A large number of these calls are being manipulated by cybercriminals operating from distant locations.  It was stated in the statement that criminals were utilizing Calling Line Identity (CLI) to mask the actual origin of the phone calls. This has led to a spate of incidents where mobile numbers were threatened to be disconnected, false digital arrests were made, and even law enforcement officials were impersonated. 

There has been an increase in the number of false accusations related to drugs, narcotics, and sex rackets in recent years, further intensifying public concerns about these activities. The Indian Department of Telecom (DoT) recently announced that it had implemented the system successfully in all four TSPs and that about one-third of the total spoofed calls at 4.5 million spoofed calls have been intercepted before they can enter the Internet. 

The next phase of this project, which involves a centralized system to eliminate all spoofed calls throughout all TSPs, is expected to be completed within a short timeframe. Moreover, the Department of Transport has established the Sanchar Saathi portal, which acts as a citizen-centric platform by allowing citizens to report suspected fraudulent messages and communications, report stolen or lost devices, verify whether a mobile device is genuine before buying it, and report incoming international calls made from Indian numbers to the DoT. 

Aside from that, the Department of Transportation launched a Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP), which is a secure online platform that will allow stakeholders such as banks and telecom companies to exchange real-time information with one another to prevent the misuse of telecommunications services.  According to the DoT, the department also announced that 1.77 million mobile connections were disconnected as a result of fake documentation. 

Additionally, cybercriminals have been punished for their crimes with targeted actions, including the blocking of 33.48 lakh connections and 49,930 handsets that they used.  As part of this program, 12.02 lakh out of the 21.03 lakh reported lost and stolen smartphones were traced and 2.29 lakh devices linked to cybercrime activities were blocked.  As a citizen, the Sanchar Saathi platform offers a tool for citizens to report suspected incidents of fraud through the Chakshu feature, which can help deter identity theft, exploitation, and other forms of cybercrime. 

There are various ways to report scams, including providing screenshots, describing the type of scams, providing details on the medium using which they were communicated, including the time and date when the suspicious contact occurred, etc. To make sure that the submission process is as secure as possible, OTP-based verification is included in the process. This is why DoT has issued an advisory urging citizens to report suspicious calls and messages through the 'Chakshu' facility on the Sanchar Saathi (https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/) platform to play a more active role in combating this issue. 

The user can also provide additional information about suspected fraudulent communications, including screenshots, the medium of receipt, and a description of the intended type of fraud, in addition to the screenshots. Authentication of the identity will be carried out through the use of a one-time password (OTP). Citizens must safeguard themselves from cyber fraud by taking proactive measures such as the Chakshu facility. As a result, it can be used by fraud investigators as a tool to help detect scams earlier and prevent significant losses from occurring.

The Department of Transportation is undertaking a broad range of initiatives. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has implemented several initiatives aimed at addressing the misuse of telecom resources, with a focus on combating cybercrime and financial fraud. One of the key measures introduced is the Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU). This initiative is designed to strengthen the monitoring of telecom activities and intervene effectively to prevent cybercrime and fraudulent activities. 

The DIU works to improve oversight by utilizing advanced systems that enhance the detection of suspicious activities across the telecom network. Another significant platform launched by the DoT is the Sanchar Saathi Portal. This citizen-focused portal empowers users to actively report cases of telecom fraud, track all mobile connections registered under their name, and block devices that have been lost or stolen. 

Additionally, the portal allows users to verify the authenticity of mobile handsets, ensuring they are not using counterfeit or compromised devices. The DoT has also introduced the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP), which serves as a secure online interface for various stakeholders, including Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), banks, and law enforcement agencies. This platform facilitates the sharing of critical information related to the misuse of telecom resources. 

Through DIP, real-time updates on disconnected mobile connections are made available, allowing for swift action to be taken in fraud prevention and mitigation. Moreover, the DoT has deployed AI-based tools to enhance the detection of mobile connections obtained through fraudulent documentation. These tools identify connections linked to illegal or fake credentials, as well as the associated devices used in fraudulent activities. Once detected, these connections and devices are systematically removed from the telecom ecosystem, thereby enhancing the integrity and security of the network.
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TRAI
Airtel Cyber Attacks CyberCrime Cyberfraud Cyberhackers Cyberspam CyberThreat DoT Malicious calls SMS Telecom TRAI

India Launches New Initiatives to Combat Spam and Cyber Fraud

 


There is a renewed effort underway in the fight against spam and unsolicited commercial communication as the Department of Telecom (DoT), the telecom regulator Trai, and private telecommunication companies are launching new programs to combat cyber fraud and phishing attacks that are on the rise. 

Several regulatory agencies have been working hard to crack down on spammers and block the numbers of individuals who are engaging in fraudulent activities as detected by Trai and the DoT. It has been reported that the Trai and DoT have been targeting spammers and blocking numbers that seem suspicious. 

Additionally, they have met with representatives from telecom companies to establish new rules regarding vigilance and curbing unwanted activities to control them more effectively. The company has developed an AI-driven tool that helps identify spam and sends an alert to customers if it detects it. A blockchain-based spam control system has been rolled out by Vodafone Idea as part of its SMS spam control program. 

As part of Bharti Airtel's campaign to handle the issue of spam for customers, the company launched India's first network-based, AI-powered spam detection solution on Wednesday. It has been a long time since they met with top representatives from telecom companies and asked them to be vigilant against these criminal activities as well as stipulating new rules to counter them in the future. 

A report issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and the Department of Telecommunications has indicated that over a crore fraudulent mobile connections have been disconnected, as well as 2.27 lakh handsets that are subject to financial fraud and cybercrime. According to Trai, mobile operators have been encouraged to disconnect telecom resources that are used for bulk spam calls and they have stated that such entities could be blacklisted for up to two years if they are not disconnected. 

Furthermore, telecom companies will be required to check all SMS transmissions containing non-whitelisted URLs, to reduce the misuse of SMS headers and templates and, as a result, ensuring that standard SMS protocols are followed. Trai has mandated as of November 1, all telecommunications operators shall ensure the traceability of messages from the point of origin to the point of destination. 

 According to Airtel CEO Gopal Vittal, spam has become a menace for its customers. It is believed that the entire industry needs to work together to resolve this problem comprehensively... (and) to shield our customers from the continuous onslaught of intrusive and unwanted communications. The Vodafone Idea announced that it will launch soon a URL whitelisting platform, stating, "Vi is participating actively on the topic along with the TRAI, COAI, and other relevant groups.". 

Airtel's data scientists are using a proprietary algorithm to identify and classify calls and SMSs as 'suspected SPAM' through the AI-powered solution developed in-house by Airtel's data scientists. A network powered by artificial intelligence analyzes, in real-time, several parameters including the usage patterns of the caller or sender, the frequency of calls and SMS, and the duration of the calls, among other factors. 

As a result of comparing the information you provide with this information with known spam patterns, the system can flag suspicious calls and SMSs. Further, Airtel has developed a system that notifies customers when malicious links are sent via SMS. To achieve this, Airtel has built a centralized database of blacklisted URLs, and every SMS is scanned in real-time by an AI algorithm to alert users in order not to click on those links accidentally.
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SMS
Cyber Frauds Cyber Security Cyberatttacks CyberCrime CyberThreat DoT Government Crackdown SMS

Fraudulent SMS Entities Blacklisted in Government Crackdown



An official release states that the government has blacklisted 'principal entities' behind SMS headers that have been sent over 10,000 fraudulent messages over the past three months as part of a crackdown on SMS scammers. As part of the Sanchar Saathi initiative, the Department of Telecom (DoT) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have taken decisive steps to prevent potential SMS fraud, which was launched by the Department of Telecom (DoT). 

According to the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), eight SMS headers are being misused to send fraudulent messages for committing cybercrime. In the past three months, the Department of Transport has taken down more than 10,000 fraudulent messages sent using eight headers. These messages belong to eight different Principal Entities (PEs). 

There is a list of the 8 principal entities listed below, along with the 73 SMS headers they own and the 1522 SMS content templates associated with them. There is no longer any possibility of sending SMS via any telecom operator thanks to DoT's steps, which have prohibited the use of any of these Principal Entities, SMS Headers, or templates. 

According to the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center, which is under the Ministry of Human Resources, eight SMS headers were misused to send fraudulent communications to commit cybercrime. The term 'principal entity' is commonly used in telecom parlance to refer to business or legal entities that send out commercial messages via SMS to subscribers of mobile operators. Headers can be considered to be alphanumeric strings assigned to a 'principal entity' to send commercial communications. 

In addition, DoT has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding citizens against cybercrime by blacklisting these entities to prevent further victimization of citizens. According to the release, “Citizens can report suspected fraud communications at Chakshu facility on Sanchar Saathi to help DoT in preventing cybercrime and financial frauds from being perpetrated by telecom companies.” TRAI has mandated that only registered principal entities can send promotional and marketing messages to mobile consumers as per its mandate. 

Following the mandate, all commercial messaging (one-time passwords, promotional messages, account balance updates etc) was required to be moved onto the blockchain-based platform by telecom operators. In the country, the government does not permit telemarketing activities, so mobile numbers cannot be used. Upon the first complaint, consumers may be disqualified from their telephone connection if they use the connection to send promotional messages. 

Additionally, they may also be blacklisted for two years with their name and address being blacklisted. You can identify telemarketing calls by their prefixes: 180, 140, and 10-digit numbers cannot be used for telemarketing. You can report spam by dialing 1909, or by using the Do Not Disturb (DND) service.  

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Telecom Sector
Cyber Fraud cybercriminals DoT Fake Calls Fraud Calls Identity Fraud India Indian Government Spoofing Telecom Sector

Combatting International Spoofed Calls: India's New Measures to Protect Citizens

 

In recent times, fraudsters have increasingly used international spoofed calls displaying Indian mobile numbers to commit cybercrime and financial fraud. These calls, which appear to originate within India, are actually made by criminals abroad who manipulate the calling line identity (CLI). 

Such spoofed calls have been used in various scams, including fake digital arrests, FedEx frauds, narcotics in courier schemes, and impersonation of government and police officials. To combat this growing threat, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) in India have developed a system to identify and block incoming international spoofed calls. 

This initiative aims to prevent such calls from reaching any Indian telecom subscriber. The Ministry of Communications announced that TSPs have been directed to block these calls and are already taking steps to prevent calls with spoofed Indian landline numbers. In addition to this, the DoT has launched the Sanchar Saathi portal, a citizen-centric platform designed to enhance user safety and security amid the rising threat of fraud and international call scams. This portal includes a feature called "Chakshu," which allows individuals to report suspicious calls and messages. 

Chakshu simplifies the process of flagging fraudulent communications, providing an extra layer of protection against cybercriminals. Chakshu serves as a backend repository for citizen-initiated requests on the Sanchar Saathi platform, facilitating real-time intelligence sharing among various stakeholders. The platform also provides information on cases where telecom resources have been misused, helping to coordinate actions among stakeholders. 

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has highlighted additional measures, including creating a grievance redressal platform for reporting unintended disconnections and a mechanism for returning money frozen due to fraud. These efforts aim to address the concerns of citizens who may have been inadvertently affected by the anti-fraud measures. Since its launch in May last year, the Sanchar Saathi portal has been instrumental in enhancing the security of telecom users. It has helped track or block over 700,000 lost mobile phones and detect more than 6.7 million suspicious communication attempts. 

These efforts underscore the government's commitment to safeguarding citizens from cyber threats and ensuring the integrity of telecom services. The DoT and TSPs' proactive measures, along with the Sanchar Saathi portal, represent significant steps towards protecting Indian citizens from international spoofed calls and other forms of cybercrime. By leveraging advanced technology and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, these initiatives aim to create a safer digital environment for all.
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Telecom Firm
Cyber Crime DoT Indian Government Mobile Connection Telecom Firm

Indian Govt Targets Cyber Criminals: DoT To Deactivate 1.8 Million SIMs

 

According to a recent media report citing 'officials' as sources, telecom operators are planning to disconnect approximately 1.8 million mobile connections at once as part of the government's first all-India operation to combat cybercrime and online fraud. 

This development comes after a thorough investigation conducted by multiple law enforcement authorities to trace the usage of mobile networks for cybercrime and financial theft.

"During investigations, it was detected that in many instances, a single handset was used with thousands of mobile connections," an official privy to the details told the local media outlet. 

On May 9, the Department of Transportation directed telcos to deactivate 28,220 mobile devices and re-verify nearly two million mobile connections that had been misused with these handsets. 

Officials stated that in such cases, just 10% of the connections are verified, with the remainder being disconnected and failing re-verification. They also stated that the disconnection will take place once the telecoms completed the re-verification in 15 days. The action comes amid a consistent increase in the number of mobile phone-related cybercrimes in the country. 

The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) said that digital financial theft victims lost Rs 10,319 crore in 2023. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance said that over 694,000 complaints were received in 2023. 

Officials stated that fraudsters generally employ SIM cards from other telecom circles and frequently change the combination of SIM and handset to avoid detection by law enforcement and carriers.

"For instance, an Odisha or Assam circle SIM could be used in Delhi NCR," a second official noted. "To avoid the radar, fraudsters make only a few outgoing calls and then change the SIM as too many out. going calls from the same number would get detected by telco systems.”

According to an earlier investigation, telcos disconnected almost two lakh SIM cards last year for alleged involvement in cybercrimes. In another case, the authorities investigated places such as Mewat in Haryana, and more than 37,000 SIM cards were disconnected. 

Coordinated Action: To combat cybercrime, the government believes that telecoms should improve their detection of SIM usage patterns, particularly those purchased outside of home circles."As part of their roaming detection system, telcos can instantly capture when a person moves out to a different circle," added the second official.
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Technology
Airola DoT eSIM Google Holafly International SIMs Playstore SIMs India Technology

Google Removes Foreign eSIM Apps Airola and Holafly from PlayStore


Google has removed Airola and Holafly from its PlayStore for Indian users due to their sale of international SIM cards without the necessary authorizations.

The decision came from the department of telecommunications (DoT), which also contacted internet service providers to block access to both the apps’ websites.

Singapore-based Airalo and Spain-based Holafly are providers of eSIMs for a number of countries and regions. eSIMs are digital SIMs that enable users to activate a mobile plan with one’s network provider without using a physical SIM card. 

In India, a company require no objection certificate (NoC) from DoT to sell foreign SIM cards.

Apparently, DoT instructed Apple and Google to remove Holafly and Airalo from their apps because they lacked the necessary authorization or NoC.

The apps are now unavailable in Google PlayStore, however were found on Apple’s AppStore as of January 5.

According to a government source, Apple was in talks to remove the apps.

The apps are still accessible for users in other regions but have been blocked for Google and Apple users in India.

Rules for Selling International SIMs

Organizations that plan on selling SIM cards from other countries must obtain a NOC from the DoT. According to DoT's 2022 policy, these SIM cards provided to Indian customers are solely meant to be used abroad.

The authorized dealers will need to authenticate clients with copies of their passports, visas, and other supporting documentation before they sell or rent these SIMs.

Also, the SIM providers need to provide details of global SIMs to security agencies every month. 

Rules for Selling International SIMs in India/ Users can activate mobile plans using an eSIM in place of a physical SIM card. eSIMs are offered by Holafly and Airalo in a number of nations. Companies who intend to sell international SIM cards in India are required by DoT policy 2022 to obtain a NOC and to sell SIM cards only for use outside of the nation. Authorized merchants are required to use their passport, visa, and other necessary documents to confirm the identity of their consumers. These sellers also have to give security agencies regular updates on foreign SIMs.  

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