Centre issues advisory against impersonating DoT in mobile calls

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued an advisory warning citizens about calls impersonating DoT and threatening to disconnect mobile numbers. The calls are being made by cyber criminals who pretend to be from DoT or government officials and try to steal personal information for cyber-crime or financial frauds.

According to the advisory, citizens are receiving calls where callers claim to be from DoT and threaten to disconnect all mobile numbers or accuse them of being involved in illegal activities. Additionally, there are WhatsApp calls from foreign origin mobile numbers impersonating government officials and deceiving people.

The DoT clarified that they do not authorize anyone to make such threatening calls on their behalf. They have urged the public to remain vigilant and refrain from sharing any personal information when receiving such calls. Citizens are advised to report any such fraudulent communications through the ‘Chakshu-Report Suspected Fraud Communications’ facility of Sanchar Saathi portal.

Furthermore, individuals can use the ‘Know Your Mobile Connections’ facility of Sanchar Saathi portal to check mobile connections registered under their name and report any connections that were not authorized or needed. This initiative aims to protect citizens from falling victim to cyber-crime and financial frauds orchestrated through misleading phone calls.

In conclusion, the DoT’s advisory serves as a cautionary measure for citizens to be aware of fraudulent calls impersonating government organizations and to take necessary steps to safeguard their personal information and mobile connections. It is essential for individuals to report such instances of fraud to prevent potential financial losses and protect their digital security.