Telecom Department Directs Operators To Block Over 28,000 Mobile Handsets For Cyber Fraud

The Department of Telecom (DoT) has ordered telecom operators to block 28,200 mobile handsets for their alleged link with cyber crimes.

It has also directed the telecom operators to carry out the immediate verification of 20 lakh mobile connections, according to an official statement on Friday, April 10. To protect citizens from digital threats, DOT, Home Ministry and State Police have joined hands to stop the misuse of telecom resources in cyber crimes and financial frauds.

“This collaborative effort aims to dismantle the networks of fraudsters and protect citizens from digital threats,” DOT said in a statement. An analysis carried out by MHA and state police has revealed that 28,200 mobile headsets were misused in cybercrimes. “The DoT further analysed and found that a staggering 20 lakh numbers were used with these mobile handsets.” read the statement.

Subsequently, DoT issued instructions to TSPs to block 28,200 mobile handsets and disconnect 20 lakh mobile connections linked to these mobile handsets if they fail to re-verify. The Department of Telecommunications launched the Chaksu portal two months ago to handle telecom cyber fraud-related grievances. It is an online service which allows citizens to report suspected cyber frauds.

Since the launch of the portal, the department has blacklisted 52 entities which were involved in sending malicious and phishing messages. They have blocked 348 mobile handsets across the nation and fagged 10,834 suspected mobile numbers for re-verification. Along with this, DOT has blocked 1.58 lakh unique mobile device identification numbers IMEI due to its involvement in cyber crimes and financial frauds. It also involves mobile connections taken on fake or forged documents

As per the official data, DoT disconnected 1.66 crore mobile connections, of which 30.14 lakh were disconnected based on users’ feedback. Whereas, the 53.78 lakh mobile connections were blocked for exceeding individual limits to buy new SIM cards.

Last year, DoT developed the AI-powered tool ASTR which helped them to detect dubious mobile connections. It detected 40.87 lakh fraud mobile connections and has blocked more than 30 lakh connections. As per DoT’s data, West Bengal had the largest number of SIMs disconnected in May last year.