The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued directives to telecom service providers (TSPs) to block 28,200 mobile handsets and re-verify 20 lakh mobile connections to protect citizens from digital threats. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and state police have collaborated with DoT to prevent the misuse of telecom resources in cybercrime and financial frauds.
An analysis by MHA and state police revealed that 28,200 mobile handsets were misused in various cybercrimes, and a whopping 20 lakh numbers were used with these mobile handsets.
To address this issue, the DoT has directed Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to block the 28,200 mobile handsets and re-verify 20 lakh mobile connections that are linked to these mobile handsets. Any failing re-verification will lead to disconnection.
In a recent case of cyber fraud reported via its online service 'Chakshu', the DoT disconnected a mobile number and blocked at least 20 linked mobile devices. Chakshu is an online service that enables citizens to report suspected fraud.
The DoT has taken a unified approach to ensure public safety and safeguard the integrity of telecommunications infrastructure, thereby creating a secure digital environment.
Meanwhile, There have been reports of scammers in India posing as former Indian cricket team captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, to scam people on social media during the ongoing IPL. The Department of Telecommunication (DoT) has issued a warning to people to be cautious and not fall into the trap.
The scammers are posing as Dhoni and asking for money on Instagram by falsely claiming that they have forgotten their wallet and need money to return home.
The message reads, "Hi, I am MS Dhoni, messaging you from my private account. I am currently in the outskirts of Ranchi and I have forgotten my wallet. Could you please transfer ₹600 via PhonePe so I can return home by bus? I will send the money back once I am home."
It is important to be aware of such scams and not share any personal information or transfer money to unknown people.
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