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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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Police
Cyber Security Cyberfraud Financial Exploit Fraud Calls Police

New Online Scam: Fraudsters Pose as Police Officers to Extort Money



Cyber fraudsters have developed a new method to deceive unsuspecting individuals by posing as police officers and claiming that a relative has been arrested in a narcotics case. They demand a bribe to drop the charges, preying on the victims' fear and urgency to help their loved ones.

This tactic is a variation of the well-known courier scam, where fraudsters call individuals, claiming that a package in their name containing narcotics was intercepted by customs officials. They then demand money to resolve the issue. The new approach involves impersonating police officers and alleging that a family member has been detained for drug-related offences.

Recent Incidents Highlight the Threat

Several cases of this scam have been reported recently. On Wednesday, the North Division Cyber Crime Police registered a case against an unidentified person who, posing as a Delhi police officer, extorted ₹7,000 from a private firm employee named Srinivas Nageshwara Rao. The fraudster claimed Rao’s daughter was arrested for drug consumption and was being taken to Delhi. The scammer promised to drop the charges if Rao paid ₹15,000. Rao transferred ₹7,000 online but later grew suspicious and confirmed with his daughter that she was safe at college.

Another victim, an 18-year-old student, was swindled out of ₹65,000. The fraudster, posing as a police officer, told her that her father had been arrested for drug peddling and demanded money to release him and drop the charges. The student transferred the money but later realised she had been scammed.

In a similar case, a software engineer from Kasavanahalli, Utkarsh Srivatsastav, reported to the Bellandur police that he was cheated out of ₹40,000. The scammer, pretending to be a police officer, claimed that Srivatsastav's son was involved in illegal activities and would be arrested unless a bribe was paid. Srivatsastav transferred the money online before discovering the fraud.

Police Action and Legal Measures

Based on these complaints, the police have charged the fraudsters under Section 66C (identity theft) of the IT Act, 2000, and are conducting further investigations. Authorities are urging the public to be vigilant and sceptical of unsolicited calls demanding money, especially those involving legal or police matters.

Protecting Yourself from Scams

To avoid falling victim to such scams, individuals should:

1. Verify the identity of the caller by contacting the relevant authorities directly.

2. Never transfer money based on a phone call alone.

3. Report suspicious calls to the police immediately.

By staying informed and cautious, the public can protect themselves from these deceptive tactics and help authorities catch the perpetrators.


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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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MHA
CBI Cyber Crime Digital Arrest Fraud Calls Law Enforcement MHA

Watch Out for Cyber Scams Impersonating Police



The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has raised an alarm regarding a spike in cybercrime, where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officers to extort money from unsuspecting victims. Collaborating with Microsoft, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has already taken action against over 1,000 Skype IDs associated with such fraudulent activities.

In a recent statement, the MHA cautioned the public against a sophisticated online scam staged by international syndicates. These criminals, masquerading as police personnel or representatives of agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), target individuals with false accusations of involvement in illegal activities or accidents. Subsequently, they demand payment to avoid legal consequences or secure the release of reportedly detained family members.

The way these fraudsters map out this course of action involves contacting victims and claiming that they have received or are about to receive a parcel containing illicit items such as drugs or fake passports. In some cases, they coerce victims into participating in simulated "digital arrests," where they are forced into appearing on video calls, lending an air of authenticity to the ruse. To support their credibility, these criminals operate from mock police stations and government offices, donning uniforms to deceive their targets.

Instances of individuals falling victim to these scams and losing significant sums of money have been reported across the country. The MHA emphasised that this form of organised cybercrime poses an unprecedented threat and is perpetrated by transnational criminal networks.

The I4C, established under the MHA's purview, serves as the focal point for combating cybercrime in India. Through its Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS), the I4C has intercepted and safeguarded over ₹600 crore from falling into the hands of online fraudsters. This online platform enables rapid reporting of financial cybercrimes, facilitating coordinated action among law enforcement agencies and financial institutions nationwide.

The MHA underscored its collaboration with various ministries, regulatory bodies like the RBI, and other stakeholders to counteract these fraudulent activities. Additionally, the I4C extends technical support and guidance to state and union territory police forces for identifying and investigating cybercrime cases.

To address this issue effectively, the I4C, in partnership with Microsoft, has initiated measures to block Skype IDs, SIM cards, mobile devices, and mule accounts used by cybercriminals. Furthermore, through its social media platform "Cyberdost," the I4C disseminates informational materials, including infographics and videos, to raise awareness and empower citizens to recognise and report cybercrimes promptly.

Given the delicate state of these scams, the MHA urges citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious calls or online activities to the designated cyber crime helpline (1930) or the official website (www.cybercrime.gov.in) for assistance and intervention. By fostering a culture of awareness and heedful reporting, individuals can play a critical role in safeguarding themselves and their communities against cyber threats.


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TRAI
Fraud Calls Mobile Security SIM SIM swap Spam Call telecommunications TRAI

TRAI Updates Regulations to Prevent SIM Swap Fraud in Telecom Porting

 

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recently announced updated regulations aimed at combating SIM swap fraud in the telecom sector. According to the new regulations, telecom subscribers will be prohibited from porting out of their current network provider if they have recently "swapped" their SIM card due to loss or damage within the past seven days. 

This amendment is intended to prevent fraudulent activities by disallowing the issuance of a "unique porting code" (UPC), which is the initial step in changing providers using mobile number portability. 

The TRAI highlighted that this measure is part of its broader efforts to address concerns related to fraudulent and spam calls, which have been on the rise in recent years. In addition to SIM swap fraud, spam calls and messages have become a significant nuisance for telecom subscribers, leading to increased efforts by regulatory authorities to combat such activities. 

Previous anti-spam measures undertaken by TRAI include the establishment of a do-not-disturb registry, the release of an app for filing complaints against telemarketers, and the enforcement of regulations on transactional SMS messages by businesses. 

However, despite these efforts, fraudulent activities continue to pose challenges for both regulators and consumers. In addition to the prohibition on porting after SIM card swapping, TRAI has recommended to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) the implementation of a feature that would display the legally registered name of every caller on recipients' handsets. This proposal aims to enhance transparency and enable recipients to identify the origin of incoming calls more accurately. 

However, the proposal has faced criticism on privacy grounds, with concerns raised about the potential misuse of caller identification information. To further address concerns related to fraudulent communication, the DoT has introduced its own portal called Chakshu for reporting suspected fraud communication. This platform allows users to report instances of suspected fraud, helping regulatory authorities to track and investigate fraudulent activities more effectively. 

Furthermore, the TRAI is considering a suggestion from the DoT regarding the verification of subscriber identity during the porting process. Currently, porting requires only the possession of an unblocked SIM, with know-your-customer (KYC) processes conducted anew. This policy has implications for minors and other dependents whose SIMs may not be registered in their names. 

The suggestion to double-check KYC during porting will be examined separately by TRAI. Overall, TRAI's efforts to strengthen regulations in the telecom sector aim to enhance security and protect consumers from fraudulent activities such as SIM swap fraud. By implementing measures to prevent unauthorized porting and enhancing transparency in caller identification, TRAI seeks to safeguard the interests of telecom subscribers in India. However, as fraudsters continue to evolve their tactics, regulatory authorities will need to remain vigilant and adapt their strategies accordingly to stay ahead of emerging threats.
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Scams
CID Criminal Investigation Department Cyber Fraud Cyberattacks CyberCrime Cybersecurity FedEx Fraud Calls Scams

Decoding the Elusive 'FedEx' Scam: An Inside Look at the Tactics and Challenges

 


One type of spam that is going around lately is FedEx scam calls, which have been targeting people, and are also doing the rounds. Most people have been victims of online fraud at some point in their lives. For us to better understand this scam, Tejal Sinha partnered up with experts to walk through it and explain it to people in detail to make the case easy to understand what, when, and how it occurs. 

The Internet has become a place full of scams, fraud, identity theft, and problems with online shopping. People have experienced all of these problems at times. The way to navigate the internet with the best intention of avoiding these hazards can seem like a challenge. 

Scammers are always trying to find new ways to trick people, so now, they are not only misusing big names to fool people, but they are also posing as law enforcement officials to scare people into giving them money, so it is more and more dangerous to give money to them.   

There has been a cyber fraud campaign that has swindled a retired policeman out of Rs 9.14 crore over the past fortnight in which cyber fraudsters posed as police officers claimed a courier package delivered by FedEx in his name contained illegal drugs and that he had been involved in money laundering. A number of the unknown suspects, infamous for their use of WhatsApp and Skype, have been allegedly holding the terrified victim under duress for some time from November 14 to November 28. 

Several alarming incidents have occurred over the past few years in Bengaluru in which residents have been scammed in an attempt to impersonate FedEx employees and law enforcement officials. Amit (name changed) is the latest victim, a 52-year-old businessman living in HSR Layout, who lost Rs 1.98 crore as a result of the scam. 

Typically, the scammers tell the victims that they will be placed in contact with the Mumbai Police Cyber Cell in response to their call, suggesting that there may be legal trouble imminent and potentially making them anxious and afraid. However, in the majority of cases, the victims had no involvement with sending or receiving the package.

It is also the case that Amit’s call was transferred to the Mumbai Police cybercrime branch. To inform Amit that his name had been mentioned as a subject of a money laundering investigation involving the intercepted package, the man posing as the police officer then made a Skype video call with him, informing him of the arrest.

In the end, Amit believed that he would need to transfer substantial sums of money to a "specified account" to be verified based on the allegations against him that had been made against him. Despite having been unable to leave the Skype conversation for more than two days, Amit's wife was also engaged in a call with someone claiming to be from law enforcement and even his wife was part of that conversation.  

Since the start of the year, Bengaluru police have been dealing with 163 cases of FedEx courier fraud. Till August, the total loss as a result of the fraud was more than Rs 5 crore. Attempts are underway by government authorities to deter students from taking part in this growing menace by promoting awareness and prevention. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has reported that the number of cybercrime cases reported in 2022 across 19 metropolitan cities accounted for an alarming 73.4% of the total of 13,534 cybercrime cases reported across the country. 

How to Prevent FedEx Package Scams and Other Fraudulent Schemes


Incoming Calls Can Be Concealed, People need to be attentive to calls they receive from unknown parties, especially those claiming to be FedEx representatives, law enforcement agencies, or other organizations they do not know. 

People should always consider their privacy when it comes to sharing sensitive information over the phone, especially if they are not certain of the legitimacy of the person they are speaking with. This includes details about the user's bank account, credit card information, or passport information.

Verify if a package appears suspicious: If any person receives a call regarding a suspicious package, do not hesitate to contact FedEx directly by calling their customer service hotline or by visiting their verified website. It is necessary to provide them with the tracking number as well as other relevant details that will enable them to confirm the status of the shipment and verify the validity of any claim they may be making. 

The best way to keep financial and personal information secure online is by using a strong, unique password for every account, enabling multi-factor authentication whenever available, updating the software, and keeping an eye out for links and attachments that seem suspicious or suspicious in an email or message. 

Please report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities. Victims should inform local law enforcement agencies as well as the Cybercrime Division if they suspect that they have encountered scams or fraudulent activity. Moreover, inform the courier company involved, such as FedEx, of the incident, so that the company can investigate the matter and provide any relevant information necessary to aid them in their efforts. 

Make sure friends, family members, and colleagues are aware of scams and fraudulent schemes by sharing information with them. The more people are aware of these scams, the more likely they are to be protected from them and to contribute to making the online environment a safer one.

CID (Criminal Investigation Department) is in the process of deciphering the methodologies and modus operandi of scammers so that they can locate their pockets and find out how they operate. In Bengaluru, where the CID runs its Centre for Cybercrime Investigation Training and Research, the agency imparts focused training to the CID’s sleuths for them to stay one step ahead of criminals in their pursuit of nefarious activities.
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