DoT Cracks Down on Electricity KYC Update Scam: 392 Mobile Handsets Blocked
New Delhi, June 18 – In a significant move to combat cybercrime, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has ordered the pan-India IMEI-based blocking of 392 mobile handsets implicated in electricity KYC update scams. This directive aims to curb the misuse of mobile devices in fraudulent activities, according to an official release.
The action comes in response to numerous reports of fraudsters using mobile numbers to deceive citizens through electricity KYC update scams. These scams often involve sending SMS and WhatsApp messages containing malicious APK files, which are designed to manipulate and gain control over victims’ devices.
The DoT’s proactive measures were facilitated by the Chakshu portal, which is used for reporting and analyzing fraudulent activities. Initial investigations identified five suspect mobile numbers, which led to a deeper analysis using AI-driven tools. This analysis revealed that 392 handsets were linked to 31,740 mobile numbers involved in these scams.
In a sweeping directive, the DoT has instructed all Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to implement IMEI-based blocking of the identified 392 mobile handsets. Additionally, the department has mandated the re-verification of the 31,740 mobile connections associated with these handsets to prevent further misuse.
The re-verification process is critical, as failure to comply will result in the immediate disconnection of the reported numbers and the blocking of the associated handsets. This step is part of a broader effort to enhance the security of telecommunications networks and protect citizens from digital fraud.
This initiative underscores the DoT’s commitment to safeguarding the public from cybercrimes and financial frauds. By leveraging advanced technological tools and citizen reports, the department is strengthening its defenses against such scams.
The success of this crackdown has been significantly bolstered by vigilant citizens who have proactively reported suspicious communications through the ‘Chakshu-Report Suspected Fraud Communications’ facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal of DoT. These reports have been instrumental in identifying and addressing fraudulent activities.
Overall, the DoT’s actions represent a robust response to the rising threat of cybercrime, demonstrating the importance of both technological innovation and public vigilance in protecting against digital fraud.
