DoT Deactivates Mobile Numbers in Bihar and Jharkhand Due to SIM Card Fraud: Report

In a crackdown on SIM card fraud, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has deactivated more than 2.25 lakh mobile phone numbers in Bihar and Jharkhand during the month of April. The deactivation comes as a result of the majority of these SIM cards being procured through forged documents, raising concerns about the use of illegal and unethical means to obtain mobile connections, according to a PTI Report.

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Blacklisting of Unethical Point of Sales

The DoT, along with Telecom Service Providers, has also blacklisted 517 Point of Sales (PoS) that were found to be involved in unethical and illegal practices while issuing SIM cards. These actions mark a significant step towards curbing fraudulent activities and ensuring a more secure telecom environment.

According to a statement released by the Special Director General Telecom, DoT (Licensed Service Areas-LSA-Bihar), the deactivation of the mobile numbers aims to address the widespread use of SIM cards obtained through illegal or unethical means. Telecom Service Providers are taking further legal action against both the fraudulent PoS and the subscribers involved in such activities.

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FIRs Lodged Against Fraudulent Activities

The jurisdiction of DoT’s LSA (Bihar) also covers Jharkhand, where similar actions have been taken to combat SIM card fraud. Telecom Service Providers have lodged FIRs (First Information Reports) in several districts of Bihar and Jharkhand to initiate legal proceedings against those involved in fraudulent SIM card activities.

Collaboration with State Police

To strengthen their efforts, the DoT’s Patna Office has collaborated with the state police, sharing intelligence obtained through advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and facial recognition. The data analysis, conducted using the Telecom SIM Subscriber Verification (ASTR) system, has enabled the identification of SIM fraudsters. The state police have expressed their commitment to take suitable action against these individuals, according to the report.