DoT Issues Guidelines to Combat Scam Calls: What You Need to Know

How to Report and Stay Safe from Scam Calls: Government Guidelines

Scam calls are an increasing nuisance, targeting individuals with fraudulent schemes and impersonations. Recognizing the threat, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued guidelines on how to report scam calls and protect yourself from falling victim. In collaboration with telecom operators and cybercrime agencies, the government is taking active steps to address this issue, including raising awareness through targeted campaigns.

Steps to Report Fake or Scam Calls

If you receive a scam call from individuals pretending to be officials from the Income Tax Department, banks, LIC, or other authorities, follow these steps:

1. File a Police Complaint: Report the incident to your nearest police station immediately.
2. Call 1930: Use this helpline to report the scam.
3. Visit the Sanchar Saathi Portal: Report the fraudulent activity on Sanchar Saathi, where you can flag investment scams, fake calls, and other frauds.

Essential Safety Tips

To stay safe from scam calls, the DoT advises users to adopt the following precautions:

1. Do Not Share Sensitive Information: Never disclose personal or financial information over the phone without thoroughly verifying the caller’s identity.
2. Hang Up on Suspicious Calls: End the call immediately if you suspect fraud or if the caller pressures you into providing sensitive information.
3. Verify the Caller’s Identity: Contact the organization directly through official numbers or websites to confirm the authenticity of the call.
4. Block and Report the Number: Use your phone’s blocking feature to prevent future calls from the scammer and report the incident to the relevant authorities.

Government and Telecom Operators’ Actions

The DoT, in partnership with major telecom providers like Vodafone Idea, Airtel, and Reliance Jio, has initiated a three-month campaign to combat scam calls. Key initiatives include:

• Cybercrime Awareness Messages: Telecom operators will broadcast awareness messages 8–10 times daily.
• Educational Caller Tunes: Caller tunes developed by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) aim to educate the public about common scams, including impersonations by fraudsters posing as law enforcement officials.

The Growing Threat of Digital Scams

Digital scams, including investment frauds and fake law enforcement impersonations, are on the rise. These scams often exploit fear and urgency to extract sensitive information or money. The government’s measures aim to empower individuals with the knowledge to recognize and avoid falling prey to such schemes.

Important Points to Remember

1. Use 1930 and Sanchar Saathi Portal to report scam calls and fraudulent activities.
2. Be vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to represent government or financial institutions.
3. Regularly educate yourself about new scams and tactics used by fraudsters.

The government’s proactive measures, including awareness campaigns and streamlined reporting mechanisms, aim to curb the menace of scam calls. By staying informed and vigilant, individuals can protect themselves from fraud and contribute to a safer digital ecosystem. If you encounter a suspicious call, report it immediately and follow the guidelines to safeguard your personal information.