Cyber Crime
Over 10,000 Fraudulent Messages Stopped: Find Out How the Government Did It
– DoT and MHA’s Sanchar Saathi initiative blocks over 10,000 fraudulent SMS messages by blacklisting 8 entities.
– Citizens urged to report fraud via Chakshu facility to prevent cybercrime and financial fraud.
NEW DELHI: Combating the surge of SMS fraud, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has launched an aggressive campaign through the Sanchar Saathi initiative. This decisive action aims to protect citizens from the growing threat of cybercrime linked to fraudulent SMS messages.
Unmasking the Fraud
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the MHA provided pivotal information on the misuse of eight SMS Headers. These headers were being exploited to send over 10,000 fraudulent messages in just the past three months, facilitating various cybercrimes.
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Comprehensive Blacklisting by DoT
Following an in-depth analysis of the implicated SMS headers and templates, the DoT has taken stringent measures to curb this malpractice:
- Blacklisting of Principal Entities (PEs): Eight Principal Entities, responsible for the fraudulent activities, have been identified and blacklisted. This action includes the blacklisting of 73 SMS Headers and 1522 SMS content templates owned by these entities.
- Termination of Usage: As a result, none of these Principal Entities, their SMS Headers, or templates can be used to send SMS through any telecom operator, effectively blocking a major avenue for cybercriminals.
Protecting Citizens
The DoT’s proactive stance has thwarted further potential victimization of citizens. This move underscores the DoT’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the public from cyber threats. The department encourages citizens to play an active role in this fight by reporting any suspected fraudulent communications through the Chakshu facility on the Sanchar Saathi platform.
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Guidelines on Telemarketing SMS and Calls
In addition to tackling fraud, the DoT has issued guidelines to regulate telemarketing activities:
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- No Mobile Numbers for Telemarketing: Using your mobile number to send promotional messages is strictly not allowed.
- First Complaint, Big Trouble: If you’re caught using your phone connection for promotional messages, your service provider can disconnect your number on the very first complaint.
- Blacklisted for Two Years: The consequences can go beyond disconnection. Your name and address could be blacklisted for two years, making it difficult to get a new connection.
- Identifying Telemarketing Calls by Prefix: Telemarketing calls often try to hide behind prefixes like 180 and 140. Be cautious of calls with these prefixes.
- No 10-Digit Numbers for Telemarketing: Remember, telemarketing calls cannot use 10-digit phone numbers either.
- Reporting Spam is Easy: If you’re bombarded by unwanted telemarketing calls or SMS messages, fight back! Report them by dialing 1909 or activating the Do Not Disturb (DND) service.
A Safer Digital Future
This initiative represents a significant stride towards creating a safer digital environment for Indian citizens. By taking robust action against SMS fraud, the DoT and MHA are leading the charge in the fight against cybercrime.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, measures like Sanchar Saathi will be crucial in protecting the public from cyber threats. Citizens are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities, contributing to a collective effort in combating cybercrime.
For more information and to report fraudulent activities, visit the Sanchar Saathi platform and use the Chakshu facility.