Bharti Airtel has implemented a technical solution that displays "International Call" for all calls received from outside the country. Other Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) are exploring the technical feasibility of implementing the same, the Ministry of Communications said in a statement on Tuesday, while cautioning the public to remain vigilant about the spoofed international calls.
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Spoofed International Calls Prevention System
The Department of Telecommunication (DoT) rolled out the International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System on 22nd October 2024 to curb cybercrimes using manipulated Calling Line Identity (CLI). This system identifies and blocks calls made by fraudsters abroad that appear as Indian numbers. These spoofed calls have been linked to a range of fraudulent activities, including impersonation of DoT/TRAI officials, fake arrests, narcotics scams, sex racket arrests, and threats of mobile disconnection.
Significant Impact
DoT highlighted that the system has already made a significant impact. Within the first 24 hours of its implementation, 1.35 crore spoofed calls, representing about 90 percent of all tampered international calls, were blocked by TSPs. By December, the number of such calls dropped to 6 lakhs, reflecting the system's success.
Fraudsters Adapt
However, fraudsters have adapted their tactics, now using international numbers starting with codes such as +8, +85, and +65 to impersonate Indian government authorities like TRAI, the police, and tax departments. In response, the DoT has recommended that TSPs display a message like "International Call" for all incoming calls from outside the country. Bharti Airtel has already implemented this solution, while other telecom providers are assessing the technical feasibility of following suit, according to the Ministry.
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Public Advisory
The DoT urged the citizens to be cautious when receiving calls from unfamiliar international numbers that do not start with +91. Citizens are advised to report any suspected fraudulent communications through the Chakshu facility on the Sanchar Saathi platform or by calling the 1930 cybercrime helpline.
"The DoT advises Citizens that they should show caution with respect to answering calls from unfamiliar international numbers which are not starting with +91 and which claims to be from government authorities of India. Citizens are advised to report such suspected fraud communications at Chakshu facility on Sanchar Saathi (sancharsaasthi.gov.in)," the Ministry Of Communications said.
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The DoT added that it has been taking proactive measures to strengthen its capacity to curb the misuse of telecom resources in cyber fraud and cybercrime.
