Due to suspected fraudulent activities, DoT( Department of Telecommunications) suspended 24,229 Fraudulent Mobile connections and blocked 42 unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers. These actions were linked to just three mobile numbers.

Crackdown on Fraudulent Activities

The disconnection follows complaints made by the public on the government’s Chaksu portal. Launched in March, Chaksu allows citizens to report suspicious mobile numbers used for fraudulent communication via calls, SMS, or social media platforms like WhatsApp. Once reported, these numbers undergo re-verification; if they fail, they are disconnected.

Details of the Suspended Connections

Many of the mobile numbers in the latest disconnection batch showed suspected fraudulent activity and were disconnected simultaneously. The IMEI numbers, unique 15-digit serial identifiers for devices, showed a disturbing trend of multiple numbers linked to single devices. One IMEI was linked to 4,146 mobile numbers, highlighting the scale of the issue.

Telecom Service Provider Directives

Telecom service providers have been instructed to block these IMEI numbers on a pan-India basis to prevent further fraudulent activities.

Part of a Broader Initiative

This action is part of the DoT’s 100-day agenda to combat the rising tide of spam calls and text messages through multiple interventions.

Conclusion

The DoT’s recent actions demonstrate a significant step towards curbing mobile fraud in India. By leveraging public reports and enforcing strict re-verification measures, the DoT aims to protect consumers from fraudulent activities and enhance the security of mobile communications.