Telecom Fraud Crackdown: DoT Disconnects 3.4 Crore Mobiles, Blocks 17 Lakh WhatsApp Accounts

In a decisive step to curb telecom fraud, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) announced on Friday that it has disconnected more than 3.4 crore mobile connections linked to suspicious or fraudulent activities. Additionally, the DoT has blocked 3.19 lakh IMEI numbers through its Sanchar Saathi initiative, aiming to eliminate mobile numbers obtained using fake documents.

Government Takes Strong Measures Against Telecom Fraud

Moreover, DoT has also disabled 16.97 lakh WhatsApp accounts, targeting individuals and entities involved in fraudulent communications and scam operations. The government is leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data to identify and take action against telecom fraud at a large scale.

AI-Powered Sanchar Saathi Initiative Strengthens Cybersecurity

The Sanchar Saathi portal has become a critical tool in India's fight against telecom fraud. This initiative empowers users to report suspicious calls and messages via the Chakshu facility. Based on crowd-sourced data, Department of Telecommunications (DoT) analyzes patterns and identifies telecom resources misused for fraudulent activities, taking swift action against them.

Unlike traditional methods that focused on individual complaints, the new AI-driven approach allows authorities to track large-scale fraud attempts and neutralize them before they escalate.

Major Actions Taken Against Telecom Scammers

1. International Spoofed Calls Blocked in Real-Time

Scam calls impersonating Indian mobile numbers but originating from international locations are a growing concern. To combat this, DoT and telecom service providers (TSPs) have implemented a real-time system to detect and block such calls before they reach users.

2. Crackdown on Unregistered Telemarketers (UTMs)

Telemarketers who send bulk promotional messages without registration have also been blacklisted. DoT reported that over 20,000 bulk SMS senders were blocked under this drive.

3. Action Against Fraudulent Entities

• 1,150 entities and individuals blacklisted by telecom operators

• 18.8 lakh telecom resources disconnected for fraudulent activities

Impact of DoT's Anti-Fraud Measures

These large-scale actions have resulted in a significant drop in complaints against unregistered telemarketers (UTMs).

• In August 2024, complaints against UTMs stood at 1,89,419

• By January 2025, this number dropped to 1,34,821, showcasing the effectiveness of DoT’s measures

New TRAI Rules to Strengthen Telecom Security

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has revised its Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations (TCCCPR), 2018 to make reporting of spam and fraudulent communications easier for users. The key amendments include:
✔️ Extended complaint window – Users now have 7 days to report spam, compared to the previous 3-day limit.
✔️ Faster action on spam complaints – Telecom service providers (TSPs) must now act within 5 days, instead of the earlier 30-day period.

These regulatory changes aim to improve user safety and hold fraudulent entities accountable faster than before.

About Sanchar Saathi initiative

The Sanchar Saathi initiative is a significant citizen-centric project by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India. Its primary aim is to empower mobile subscribers, enhance their security, and raise awareness about various government initiatives related to telecommunications.  

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

Core Objectives of Sanchar Saathi :

• Empowering Mobile Subscribers: Providing tools and information to help users manage their mobile connections and devices.  

• Strengthening Security: Combating mobile phone-related fraud and misuse.  

• Increasing Awareness: Educating citizens about telecom-related issues and government initiatives.  

Key Features and Services of Sanchar Saathi :

• Chakshu:

  • This feature allows citizens to report suspected fraudulent communications, including calls, SMS, and WhatsApp messages, aimed at cybercrime and financial fraud.  

  • It also facilitates the reporting of Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC) or spam.  

• Blocking Lost/Stolen Mobile Handsets:

  • Enables users to block lost or stolen mobile devices, preventing their misuse.  

  • This also helps in tracing such devices.

• Knowing Mobile Connections in Your Name:

  • Allows users to check the number of mobile connections registered in their name.  

  • Provides the option to report and disconnect unwanted or unauthorized connections.  

• Checking Mobile Handset Genuineness:

  • Helps users verify the authenticity of mobile handsets using the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number.  

• Reporting Incoming International Calls with Indian Numbers:

  • Enables users to report international calls that appear to originate from Indian numbers, helping to curb illegal telecom activities.  

Key Points:

• The initiative is accessible through a web portal (sancharsaathi.gov.in) and a mobile app.  

• It plays a crucial role in combating cybercrime and financial fraud related to mobile phone usage.  

• It's a valuable tool for citizens to protect themselves from telecom-related scams and misuse.  

In essence, Sanchar Saathi is a vital step towards creating a safer and more secure telecommunications environment for Indian citizens.

Conclusion: Strengthening India's Telecom Security

The Indian government is adopting advanced technologies like AI and Big Data to make telecom services safer and eliminate fraud. With real-time call monitoring, blocking of fraudulent telecom resources, and stringent new regulations, authorities are ensuring that citizens can communicate without the threat of scam calls and messages.

As telecom fraudsters find new ways to deceive users, DoT's Sanchar Saathi initiative and AI-based analytics will continue to evolve, enhancing cybersecurity for millions of Indians.