Efforts to Combat International Number Fraud in Telecom Department

NEW DELHI: In a bid to tackle the rising menace of fraud through phone calls, the telecom department (DoT) and various companies have come together to implement the “International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System.” This system has successfully blocked a significant 70% of spoofed calls, a large number of which were originating from overseas, reducing the daily number of fraudulent calls from 1.5 crore to around 5 lakh.

Scammers Adapt to Evolving Strategies

However, in a relentless cat-and-mouse game, scammers have quickly adapted to this new system by resorting to using virtual private networks (VPNs). This has led to Indian calls also being masked as overseas calls, posing a new challenge for DoT and other agencies. In response to this, DoT is now engaging in dialogues with international long-distance operators and exploring the use of artificial intelligence to combat this evolving threat.

Multi-Pronged Approach to Address Complex Problem

An official from DoT highlighted the complexity of the issue, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The official mentioned that blocking all calls with international numbers is not a simple task and may come with associated costs. As a result, a multi-pronged approach involving various tools and strategies is being deployed to combat phone fraud effectively.

Positive Results and Continued Efforts

Despite the challenges posed by scammers’ innovative tactics, several tools and technologies have shown promising results. For instance, the use of a facial recognition and AI-powered tool known as ASTR has helped uncover fraudulent SIM cards and lead to the registration of 365 FIRs against violators. Additionally, DoT’s analysis of Indian mobile users roaming in Southeast Asia has identified and blocked over 2 lakh connections and 9,828 handsets suspected of being involved in fraudulent activities.

In a collaborative effort to combat telecom fraud, the Digital Intelligence Platform has brought together various entities, including central security agencies, state police, banks, and telecom companies to share information and prevent the misuse of telecom resources. This collective approach aims to stay one step ahead of fraudsters and protect consumers from falling victim to phone scams.