Report Wire

Tag: Spam Calls

  • Government Launches New Spam-Tracking System To Block International Calls; Details Here |

    Detect And Block International Calls: The government on Tuesday introduced a new spam-tracking system designed to detect and block international calls disguised as Indian numbers. Within the first 24 hours of operation, telecom service providers (TSPs) identified and blocked approximately 1.35 crore, or 90%, of such spoofed calls from reaching Indian users.

    Union Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, launched the ‘International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System,’ highlighting it as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to create a safer digital environment and protect citizens from cybercrime.

    This system aims to significantly reduce spoofed calls with Indian (+91) numbers, which cybercriminals have been using to commit fraud by manipulating the calling line identity (CLI). These spoofed calls often appear to originate in India but are actually made from abroad and are commonly linked to financial scams, impersonation, and spreading panic.

    There have also been cases of cyber-crime threatening disconnection of mobile numbers by DoT/TRAI officials, fake digital arrests, drugs/narcotics in courier, impersonation as police officials, arrest in sex racket etc.

    The Department of Communications (DoT) and TSPs have collaborated and devised a system to identify and block such incoming international spoofed calls from reaching the Indian telecom subscribers.

    “Despite such best efforts, there could be cases where fraudsters succeed through other means. For such calls, you can help by reporting such suspected fraud communications at Chakshu facility on Sanchar Saathi,” said the government.

    This is another step by DoT to protect citizens from cyber frauds as the system identifies and blocks the incoming international calls. (With inputs from IANS)

  • Tired of spam calls? TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti Promises Stronger Regulations And Crackdown.

    New Delhi: Spam calls can be incredibly irritating as it disrupts our day and often leads to frustration. These unwanted calls can come at any time, making it difficult to focus on important tasks. Recognizing this issue, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is set to review and strengthen regulations to curb these pesky spam calls.

    On Wednesday, TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti announced plans to implement stricter measures to protect consumers from this growing nuisance. Dealing with pesky spam calls is a top priority for the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). TRAI is taking a tougher stance to address the issue with a surge in consumer complaints about unwanted calls from unauthorized telemarketers.

    “We had an interaction with service providers on spam calls and that is the next thing on our table. We will work seriously…we will plug any loopholes that people are finding on existing regulations to tighten (the checks on) spam call issue. ,” Lahoti made this announcement during the India SatCom 2024 event organized by the Broadband India Forum (BIF).

    Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman, TRAI @TRAI addressing to India Satcom 2024, 9th Flagship Summit at New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/eX8HD3ClkL — TRAI (@TRAI) August 7, 2024

    TRAI on Tuesday held a meeting and conveyed a strong message to service providers and their telemarketers to take effective measures to curb bulk communications using voice calls. As part of the crackdown, the regulator has sought proactive action from all the stakeholders especially access service providers (telcos) and their delivery telemarketers.

    The immediate action sought includes implementing technical solutions for traceability and preventing bulk calling by enterprise customers using 10-digit numbers. Asked about the rising instances of fraud and scams over calls, and actions that are being proposed, Lahoti said that a joint committee of regulators is working collectively to address the issue.

    “The role of TRAI comes in controlling spam calls. Where it is fraudster or scammer…it also becomes an issue of law enforcement where Ministry of Home Affairs… and financial sector regulator also plays a role,” he said.

    Asked if raising the criminal liability could serve as an effective deterrent, he said, “We will review regulations to make it strong and very strict as far as control of spam is concerned…As far as the scam is concerned that falls in the domain of law”. (With PTI Inputs)