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Showing posts with label Spam Call. Show all posts
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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WhatsApp Call
malware Phishing Attacks Protect Personal Data Spam Call Unauthorized access Video Call WhatsApp Call

Beware of WhatsApp Scam Calls From International Numbers

A growing number of people have recently reported getting unexpected calls on WhatsApp from foreign numbers. These calls frequently originate from unknown or unfamiliar parties and may be a part of a fraud or scam. 

It is crucial to exercise caution and act quickly to safeguard yourself from any threats. Here are five crucial actions you should do if you get such calls or messages.
  • Do not answer or respond: When you receive a call from an international number that you don't recognize, it's advisable not to answer or respond. Engaging with unknown callers can put you at risk of falling victim to scams or unauthorized access to your personal information.
  • Block the number: Use the block feature available on WhatsApp to prevent further calls or messages from the specific international number. Blocking the number will ensure that you do not receive any more unwanted communication from that source.
  • Report and flag the number: WhatsApp provides users with the option to report and flag suspicious or unwanted calls or messages. Utilize this feature to notify WhatsApp about the incident. Reporting the number can help the platform take appropriate action and prevent similar occurrences.
  • Be cautious with personal information: Avoid sharing any personal or sensitive information with unknown callers, especially those from international numbers. Scammers may attempt to extract personal details or financial information under the guise of a legitimate conversation.
  • Stay updated and educate yourself: Stay informed about the latest scams and frauds targeting WhatsApp users. Educate yourself about the tactics used by scammers to recognize and avoid potential threats. Regularly check reliable sources for updates on new scams and best practices for protecting yourself online.
It's important to note that WhatsApp is actively working to enhance security measures and prevent such fraudulent activities. However, users must also take responsibility for their own safety and be vigilant while using the platform. By following these precautions, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to scams or unauthorized access to your personal information.

If you encounter any suspicious or fraudulent activities on WhatsApp, it is recommended to report the incident to your local law enforcement agencies or the cybercrime helpline. Prompt reporting can help in raising awareness and assisting authorities in their efforts to combat such scams effectively.

Always be vigilant and take the appropriate safety measures when using WhatsApp or any other communication platform because your privacy and security are very important. Keep yourself aware, vigilant, and protected from any threats connected to WhatsApp's unrecognized international calls.
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User Security
Cyber Fraud India phone scams Spam Call U.S. User Security

U.S. Citizens Lost $39.5 Billion to Phone Frauds Alone Over the Past Year

 

A recent study estimates that scams have increased threefold in the US in the last 12 months resulting in the loss of $39.5 billion, which is the highest number registered since Truecaller, Swedish caller identification and spam blocking app, began researching scam and spam calls in the U.S. eight years ago. 

According to the report, which was undertaken in partnership with The Harris Poll in March 2022, 33% of US citizens reported having fallen victim to phone scams, and 20% on more than one occasion. 55.6% of those who fell victim to a phone scam were men, compared to only 42.2% of those who were women. 

Furthermore, men aged 65 and above, and Hispanics were more likely to fall for scams and phone frauds than those aged below or belonging to any other ethnicity. Nearly, 74% of Hispanic people were targeted and lost money in the last 12 months when compared to Black or White adult individuals.

Approximately 63% of Americans feel like they may miss legitimate calls due to the fear of spam calls. To protect themselves, 43% of people reported they downloaded a spam blocker and/or caller ID. A whopping 86% of Americans said only pick up when the caller is recognizable, 60% have stopped picking up calls altogether and have shifted to other methods of communicating. These include texts, emails, social media apps, faxes, etc. 

To mitigate risks, adults preferred to take action by downloading Spam Blocker/Caller ID apps while people above the age of 65 preferred blocking their credit cards or altering account numbers after being scammed. 

The study suggests that despite the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) efforts to regulate via the STIR/SHAKEN framework (a set of FCC standards aimed at protecting Americans from robocalls/scammers) nearly 68.4 million Americans fell victim to at least a phone scam in the last 12 months, indicating fraudsters are bypassing government regulation and finding more sophisticated methods to target users. 

“The findings from this year are concerning and shed light on the fact that fraudsters and scammers continue to outsmart increased government regulation. Additionally, with many robocalls coming from overseas, the increase in regulation will need to work in parallel with technological advancements provided by caller ID and spam-blocking apps, such as Truecaller,” stated Alan Mamedi, CEO of Truecaller. 

India: 4th most spammed nation 

According to Truecaller’s Global Scam Report 2021, India received 4th position in spam sales and telemarketing calls and was placed right behind Brazil, Peru, and Ukraine. 

The sales-related calls made up a vast majority (93.5%) of all incoming spam calls in the country. The report also made a special mention of a single number in India that apparently made over 202 Mn spam calls – more than 664,000 calls every day or 27,000 calls every hour.
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