Have Over 2 Crore Fraudulent Phone Connections Been Blocked? Spoof Calls Reduced by 97%: Insights from DoT Secretary
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Synopsis
In a groundbreaking move against cyber fraud, the DoT has blocked over 2 crore fraudulent connections and slashed spoof calls by 97%. Discover how initiatives like 'Sanchar Saathi' and AI technology are reshaping the telecom landscape in India and enhancing user security.
Key Takeaways
- Over 2 crore fraudulent phone connections blocked.
- Spoof calls reduced by 97%.
- ‘Sanchar Saathi’ initiative combats telecom misuse.
- AI technology aids in fraud detection.
- ‘Digital Intelligence Platform’ enhances data sharing among banks.
New Delhi, Sep 3 (NationPress) The Union Department of Telecommunication (DoT) has successfully blocked over 2 crore mobile connections utilized for fraudulent activities, leading to an impressive reduction of 97% in spoof calls, as revealed by DoT Secretary Dr. Neeraj Mittal on Wednesday.
Dr. Mittal addressed attendees at the annual West Zone Conference focused on security issues, hosted by the DoT in South Goa.
Speaking via video link, he highlighted significant achievements in the telecom sector's battle against cyber fraud.
The remarkable decline in spoof calls is attributed to the government’s ‘Sanchar Saathi’ initiative, a platform designed to combat the misuse of telecom services.
Spoof calls involve scammers disguising their identity by manipulating caller ID information to commit fraud or trick individuals.
Mittal explained that in addition to Sanchar Saathi, the department has created a ‘Digital Intelligence Platform’ to crowdsource information about fraudulent activities, particularly in the financial domain.
This platform enables banks and financial institutions to share and access data regarding ongoing scams, contributing to a safer digital ecosystem.
Emphasizing the rising significance of telecom, Mittal noted that while the number of telecom users has surged, the misuse of telecom resources—especially in financial fraud—has also escalated.
In response, the DoT has initiated several programs to fortify cybersecurity infrastructure.
He stated that artificial intelligence (AI) has been crucial in detecting and eliminating fraud.
With AI's assistance, 78 lakh fake mobile connections and 71,000 fraudulent retail points of sale have been disconnected thus far.
The department is further expanding its network of telecom testing labs to ensure that high-quality, certified telecom equipment is utilized nationwide.
In another significant development, the DoT has introduced a ‘Financial Fraud Risk Indicator’, created in collaboration with its partners.
This tool enhances the detection of mobile numbers involved in financial fraud.
Mittal also revealed that the DoT is upgrading the Centralised Monitoring System (CMS) to align with modern cyber threats and enhance real-time surveillance capabilities.
The department is proactively collaborating with private entities to improve sector-specific and application-level security, ensuring the telecom infrastructure remains robust and trustworthy.
Through these initiatives, the DoT strives to cultivate a safer and more reliable digital environment for the millions of mobile users across India.
Point of View
I believe these efforts by the DoT reflect a strong commitment to ensuring a secure telecommunications environment. The proactive measures taken, such as the introduction of advanced platforms and collaboration with private entities, highlight the ongoing struggle against cyber fraud. These initiatives not only protect users but also reinforce the integrity of our digital infrastructure.
NationPress
03/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Sanchar Saathi' initiative?
The 'Sanchar Saathi' initiative is a government platform designed to tackle the misuse of telecom services, significantly reducing the incidence of spoof calls.
How has AI contributed to fraud detection?
AI has played a vital role in detecting and eliminating fraud by identifying fake mobile connections and fraudulent retail points of sale.
What is the purpose of the 'Digital Intelligence Platform'?
The 'Digital Intelligence Platform' allows banks and financial institutions to share information about ongoing scams, enhancing the safety of the digital ecosystem.
What does the 'Financial Fraud Risk Indicator' do?
The 'Financial Fraud Risk Indicator' is a tool developed to effectively identify mobile numbers involved in financial fraud, aiding in prevention efforts.
What is the significance of the DoT's recent initiatives?
These initiatives are crucial for strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure and ensuring a trustworthy telecom environment for users.
