Fake calls and SMS scams are on the rise in India. From financial frauds to identity theft, the misuse of telecom networks has become a serious concern. But the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), along with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), is taking strong steps to fight back.
India’s Growing Cybercrime Challenge
According to the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), over 19.18 lakh complaints were reported on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) in 2024. The total financial loss? A staggering ₹22,811.95 crore.
Many of these crimes involve spoofed calls and fake SMS messages that trick people into sharing sensitive information. These scams often appear to come from Indian numbers but originate overseas using identity spoofing.
The DoT has developed an advanced Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) to detect and prevent telecom-based frauds. This secure online platform helps central and state agencies, police, banks, and telecom providers work together in real-time.
So far, 620 organizations have joined DIP, including law enforcement, the GST Network, banks, and telecom service providers (TSPs). This united front is helping to identify threats faster and more effectively.
Tech Tools That Make a Difference
To stop SIM frauds, the DoT uses an AI-driven tool called ASTR (Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics Tool). It can detect when the same person buys multiple SIM cards under different names using fake documents.
Another key innovation is the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI). This tool tags mobile numbers as Medium, High, or Very High risk for fraud. Banks and UPI providers can then take steps to protect customers from transactions involving these flagged numbers.
Sanchar Saathi: Empowering the Public
DoT has launched Sanchar Saathi, a citizen-friendly portal and app to report telecom-related frauds. People can check their mobile connections, report suspicious activity, and stay informed.
Through the Sanchar Mitra volunteer program, students from across India educate citizens about digital safety. They hold workshops, awareness drives, and community sessions in local languages to explain how to spot and report frauds.
Public Awareness is Key
DoT also runs state-level campaigns to raise awareness. These include:
- Local-language SMS alerts and social media content
- Workshops with Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs)
- Press releases and public briefings
- Collaboration with banks, telecom providers, and universities
The message is clear: stay alert, verify calls and messages, and report anything suspicious.
International Call Spoofing Blocked
One of the cleverest tricks used by scammers is international spoofed calls that appear as Indian mobile numbers. These calls fool people into thinking the call is local or legitimate.
But now, DoT and TSPs have deployed systems to detect and block spoofed calls. This makes it harder for international cybercriminals to deceive Indian users.
The Road Ahead
India’s fight against fake calls and SMS scams is powered by technology, teamwork, and public awareness. From AI tools like ASTR to citizen platforms like Sanchar Saathi, the approach is comprehensive and people-first.
Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, confirmed these efforts in the Rajya Sabha. The government is committed to creating a safer digital environment for all Indians.
How You Can Stay Safe
Here are a few tips to protect yourself from fake calls and SMS scams:
- Never share OTPs, bank details, or passwords over phone/SMS
- Report suspicious numbers on Sanchar Saathi or NCRP portal
- Use mobile apps only from official sources
- Enable multi-factor authentication for banking and UPI
The best defense is knowledge. Stay informed and help others do the same.
Conclusion
Telecom fraud is a serious threat, but India is responding with serious action. With platforms like DIP, tools like ASTR and FRI, and public support through Sanchar Saathi, the country is building a strong wall against fake calls and SMS scams.
The journey is long, but with vigilance and tech-powered initiatives, India is on the right track toward safer digital communication.