On January 24, 2025, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued a press release detailing its proactive actions against spoofed international calls, which have been used for cyber-crimes and financial frauds.
In response to growing concerns, the DoT has launched several initiatives to block and report fraudulent calls, with the support of Indian telecom operators and citizens.
Key Actions and Updates from the DoT
Sanchar Saathi App and Portal: The DoT has introduced the Sanchar Saathi mobile app and portal (available at www.sancharsaathi.gov.in) as part of its drive to prevent fraud. This app empowers citizens to report suspected fraudulent calls directly from their mobile phone call logs. The app makes it easier for users to report calls they suspect to be part of scams, which is essential in combating these threats.
Crackdown on Spoofed International Calls: Fraudsters have been using international spoofed calls that display fake Indian numbers (+91-xxxxx) to deceive citizens. Though these calls appear to be from within India, they actually originate from abroad. To counter this, the DoT implemented an International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System, which blocked around 90% of these spoofed calls, amounting to 1.35 crore calls in just 24 hours.
Continued Efforts to Block Fraudulent Call Traffic: In addition to blocking spoofed calls, the DoT has instructed Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to display “International Calls” for all incoming international calls. This helps citizens easily recognize calls that are coming from outside India and identify potential scams, especially those falsely claiming to be from government authorities like the DoT, TRAI, RBI, or UIDAI. This feature has already been implemented by one major service provider, with others following suit.
Blocking of Spoofed Call Aggregators: Telecom providers like Airtel, BSNL, and RJIL have followed DoT’s instructions and have successfully blocked more than 20 international carriers that were found to be sending spoofed call traffic to India. This action is a significant step in reducing fraudulent calls reaching Indian citizens.
Citizen Involvement in Reporting: The Sanchar Saathi app allows citizens to report fraud calls in an easy and efficient manner, significantly contributing to the fight against cyber-crime. Proactive reporting by citizens has been pivotal in identifying fraudulent callers and taking action against the international carriers responsible. The DoT urges all citizens to be cautious when receiving calls from unfamiliar international numbers, especially those claiming to be from government authorities.
How to Report Fraudulent Calls
Citizens can report suspected fraudulent calls via the Sanchar Saathi portal or the mobile app, which is available for download on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Additionally, QR codes for quick access to the app and portal have been provided for convenience.
Commitment to a Secure Telecom Ecosystem
The DoT remains committed to creating a secure and safe telecom ecosystem for all Indian citizens. By combining the efforts of telecom service providers, the Sanchar Saathi app, and active citizen participation, the DoT is taking substantial steps to minimize the threat of cyber-crime and protect consumers from fraudulent activities.
Through this ongoing initiative, the Ministry of Communications aims to further strengthen the telecom system and ensure that telecom resources are not misused for fraudulent purposes. Citizen vigilance and prompt reporting are key in combating the evolving threats posed by international spoofed calls.
