The Growing Problem of Phone-Based Fraud
The rise in phone usage across India has brought about an alarming increase in fraudulent activities. Initially a concern in urban areas, phone frauds have now spread to rural areas as well, targeting individuals of all demographics. From minor scams costing a few hundred rupees to high-stakes frauds involving crores, phone-based scams have become a growing concern.
Each day, people are cheated out of amounts ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 5 crores through fraudulent calls. In response to this, the Indian government has initiated several measures to block fake calls and prevent scams, aiming to protect citizens from such financial threats.
Government Action: Blocking Fraudulent Calls
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia recently revealed that the government is successfully blocking around 1.35 crore fraudulent calls every day. This intervention has already prevented scams amounting to Rs. 2500 crore. A significant portion of these fraudulent calls originates from foreign servers, using techniques such as spoofing Indian numbers to trick victims.
Scindia praised the government’s robust system for blocking these calls, emphasizing that the Department of Telecom (DOT) has developed advanced tools, such as the “Sanchar Sati” and “Chakshu” services, to combat fraud. Through these systems, over 2.9 lakh phone numbers have been disconnected, and more than 18 lakh spam message headers have been blocked.
How the System Works
The “Sanchar Sati” and “Chakshu” systems rely on special software designed to detect fraudulent calls and messages, including those that attempt to spoof Indian (+91) numbers. This software is capable of identifying and blocking fake calls that are made using foreign servers, preventing scams before they reach the recipient.
On average, 1.35 crore fraudulent calls are blocked daily, and the government has added 520 agencies to the system, including investigative agencies and banks. These measures are expected to reduce finance-based frauds, making it harder for scammers to access people’s personal and financial information.
The Government’s Future Plans
In addition to combatting phone fraud, Scindia outlined the government’s plans to improve connectivity across the country. One of the main goals is to roll out autonomous BSNL 5G services by May, ensuring that 4G is available in all areas by April. As part of this initiative, 1 lakh base stations will be built, with 50,000 towers already installed. This infrastructure upgrade will ensure that BSNL can transition smoothly to 5G once 4G connectivity is established.
Conclusion
The government’s proactive approach to combating phone fraud is a crucial step in protecting citizens from financial exploitation. By blocking fraudulent calls, enhancing telecom infrastructure, and rolling out new technologies like 5G, the government is working tirelessly to ensure a safer digital environment for all.
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