Alert! Mobile Users Should Not Answer Calls From These Numbers, Government Of India Warns…

New Delhi, 1st April 2024: The Government of India has issued a stern warning to mobile users, urging them to exercise caution when receiving calls from unknown numbers. Particularly, the Ministry of Communication’s Telecom Department has highlighted a concerning trend of fraudulent WhatsApp calls purportedly originating from the department itself. These fraudulent calls aim to deceive citizens by falsely claiming issues with their mobile numbers, including threats of disconnection or allegations of involvement in illegal activities.

The modus operandi of these scammers involves contacting users via WhatsApp, masquerading as representatives of the Telecom Department. Subsequently, they instill fear by intimating users about impending consequences regarding their mobile numbers. Subsequent to creating a sense of urgency, these scammers then proceed to solicit sensitive personal information from unsuspecting victims under the guise of official procedures.

To combat this rising threat, the Telecom Department has emphasized that no such calls are being made by the Government of India, thereby advising citizens to remain vigilant, especially when receiving WhatsApp calls from foreign numbers, notably those originating from codes such as +92-xxxxxxxxxx.

In response to this alarming trend, the Telecom Department has encouraged citizens to promptly report any suspected fraudulent communication on WhatsApp through the Government of India’s Chakshu portal, dedicated to reporting such incidents. Furthermore, mobile users are urged to stay informed about their mobile connections by utilizing the Sanchar Saathi portal.

In the event of encountering any cyber fraud, individuals are encouraged to seek assistance by contacting the cybercrime helpline number 1920 or by visiting the official website www.cybercrime.gov.in.

This advisory serves as a crucial reminder for mobile users to remain vigilant and cautious when receiving unsolicited calls, particularly those purporting to be from governmental authorities and to promptly report any suspicious activity to the appropriate channels.