DoT Directs Blocking of 28,200 Mobiles and Re-Verification of 20 Lakh Connections
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has instructed telecom service providers (TSPs) to take action against 28,200 mobile handsets and initiate re-verification for 20 lakh mobile connections in order to safeguard citizens from digital threats. Collaborating with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and state police, the DoT aims to prevent the misuse of telecom resources for cybercrimes and financial frauds.
An examination conducted by the MHA and state police revealed that 28,200 mobile handsets were involved in various cybercrimes, with a staggering 20 lakh numbers associated with these devices. In response, the DoT has mandated TSPs to block the identified 28,200 mobile handsets and conduct re-verification for the 20 lakh mobile connections linked to these devices. Failure to complete the re-verification process will result in disconnection.
In a recent cyber fraud case reported through the DoT’s online platform ‘Chakshu,’ a mobile number was disconnected, and approximately 20 linked mobile devices were blocked. ‘Chakshu’ serves as an online reporting service that enables citizens to report suspected fraudulent activities.
The DoT has adopted a collaborative approach to ensure public safety and protect the integrity of telecommunications infrastructure, thereby fostering a secure digital environment.
In parallel developments, incidents have emerged in India where scammers are impersonating former Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on social media platforms during the ongoing IPL matches. The DoT has issued a warning urging people to exercise caution and avoid falling victim to such scams.
These scammers, posing as Dhoni, are soliciting money on platforms like Instagram by falsely claiming to have lost their wallet and requesting funds to return home. The fraudulent message typically states, “Hi, I am MS Dhoni, messaging you from my private account. I am currently in the outskirts of Ranchi and I have forgotten my wallet. Could you please transfer ₹600 via PhonePe so I can return home by bus? I will send the money back once I am home.”
It is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and refrain from sharing personal information or transferring money to unknown individuals to mitigate the risk of falling prey to such scams.
