Government of India Blocks 372 Mobiles, Suspends 906 for Fraud

New Delhi: With prompt approach of citizens to the department of telecommunications (DoT) on cyber or financial frauds, the government on Tuesday blocked 372 mobile handsets within 24 hours linked to these mobile numbers on a pan-India basis. Besides, 906 mobile connections were suspended and flagged for re-verification, the ministry of communications said on Wednesday.

Expressing gratitude to those who are coming forward and reporting about cyber frauds, the DoT, however, said in a statement that this collaborative approach is safeguarding citizens against fraudsters. The department has also urged citizens to stay vigilant and report such fraud communications at the facility of Sanchar Saathi portal.

“Such proactive reporting helps DoT in prevention of misuse of telecom resources for cyber-crime, financial frauds, etc. Advisories have been issued on a regular basis for the public to create awareness on fake notices impersonating DoT/Trai, suspected fraud communications and malicious calls via press, SMS, and social media,” the ministry said.

The ministry further said that the DoT received inputs from citizens on May 19, 2024 regarding such frauds from 14 mobile numbers. “With these inputs, the DoT has been taking prompt and strict action on cyber/financial frauds. In the latest cases, people were being duped by fraudulent communication in the name of fake LIC officials and insurance company representatives and SMSs for redemption of SBI rewards,” it added