A new modus operandi by the cyber fraudsters leading to financial crime has been highlighted by the government on Friday.
These fraudsters are duping as personnel from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, and ask for the personal information to carry out cyber-crime/financial frauds.
Calls are being received by the citizens wherein callers, in the name of DoT, are threatening that all of their mobile numbers would be disconnected or their mobile numbers are being misused in some illegal activities.
The DoT has also issued advisory about WhatsApp calls from foreign origin mobile numbers (like +92-xxxxxxxxxx) impersonating government officials and duping the people.
“The DoT does not authorise anyone to make such call on its behalf and has advised people to stay vigilant and asked not to share any information on receiving such calls,” Ministry of Communications said in a statement.
Cyber criminals through such calls try to threat/steal personal information to carry out cyber-crime/financial frauds, it added.
What to do in case you receive such calls?
In order to safeguard yourself from such fraudulent calls, the ministry has also suggested the needful steps.
The DoT has advised citizens to report such fraud communications at ‘Chakshu-Report Suspected Fraud Communications’ facility of Sanchar Saathi portal.
Link for reference: http://www.sancharsaathi.gov.in/
Such proactive reporting helps DoT in prevention of misuse of telecom resources for cyber-crime, financial frauds, etc.
On the same portal, the citizens can check the mobile connections in their name at ‘Know Your Mobile Connections’ facility and report any mobile connection not taken by them or not required.
Further, the citizens can also report at cyber-crime helpline number 1930 or www.cybercrime.gov.in in case of already a victim of cyber-crime or financial fraud.
“Fake Profiles impersonation is a massive headache for GoI and individuals alike. Countering such threats requires awareness, vigilance, and a comprehensive monitoring system for organizations getting frequently impersonated online like law enforcement agencies, Telecom department, etc,” said Amit Relan, Co-Founder and CEO, mFilterIt.
“Trust and transparency are key to building an empowered and efficient digital India,” he added.
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