DoT India Warns Public Of Rising Mobile Number Scam, Urges Caution Against Fake Officials

The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check Unit has issued a strong alert to citizens about a growing scam where fraudsters impersonate officials from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

Scammers falsely claim a person’s mobile number is involved in illegal activities. They threaten to block the number unless the person provides personal information or payment.

The Department of Telecommunications has made it clear that it never makes such calls or sends threatening messages.

Officials direct users to verify all mobile numbers and conduct related activities only through the official Sancharsaathi portal (www.sancharsaathi.gov.in).

Treat any call, message, or email claiming to be from DoT as fraudulent.

The department has also urged citizens to immediately report such cybercrimes on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) or by calling the helpline number 1930.

By reporting these incidents promptly, victims can prevent further misuse of their personal information and help authorities track down the criminals behind these scams.

According to the Fact Check Unit, this scam has been spreading rapidly since 2023 and has seen a major surge in recent months.

Fraudsters increasingly use spoofed international numbers to make their calls appear genuine.

They deceive unsuspecting users into sharing sensitive data such as Aadhaar details, bank credentials, and OTPs.

In response, the DoT has taken significant measures to counter the menace.

The department uses advanced artificial intelligence-based detection systems to block nearly 90% of spoofed international calls.

These systems prevent the calls from reaching Indian mobile users.

These proactive efforts have reportedly saved citizens billions of rupees in potential fraud losses.

Officials reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring digital safety for all citizens.

They emphasised that users must remain cautious and never share confidential information over calls. They advised relying only on verified government portals for any telecom-related issues.

The PIB Fact Check team continues to monitor such scams closely and regularly issues public advisories to combat misinformation and fraudulent activity.

Authorities appealed to the public to stay vigilant, follow official communication channels, and report any suspicious activity without delay.

In today’s digital era, awareness and quick action remain the strongest defence against cyber fraud.

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