As the world rapidly becomes interconnected, the menace of extortion calls in the name of government departments has grown exponentially with swindlers using technology to impersonate police officers, lawyers, Department of Telecommunications (DOT) officials, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) personnel, and even bank representatives. Most of these scams originate from abroad and prey upon unsuspecting individuals in India to siphon money or personal information from them..
Understanding the Threat?
Most fraudulent calls use high-pressure tactics and scripted scenarios to intimidate their victims. Here are some common formulations:
- Fake Police: They represent themselves as police officers involved in legal cases, submission of arrest warrants, or traffic violations.
- Fake Lawyer: They claim that there are legal disputes or instances of defamation that require their immediate payment to resolve.
- Fake DOT/TRAI: Warnings regarding a SIM card deactivation due to certain compliance issues.
- Fake Banks: Requests for OTP, account card details, or Aadhaar-linked updates to secure accounts..
Skill of knowing fake calls
- Unknown Caller Identity: An authentic official will never solicit sensitive information over the telephone.
- Urgency and Threat: Fraudsters use fear to coerce victims into action campaigns.
- Requesting Money: Genuine authorities or banks will never ask a person to transfer money through links or unknown wallets.
- Use of Wrong Terminologies: Incorrect terminologies or language errors or even misuse of the language with overuse of legal jargon..
Steps to protect yourself
- Remain Calm: Fraudsters take advantage of panic. Take a moment to think through the situation rationally.
- No Information Sharing: Never provide personal, financial, or OTP details over the telephone.
- Verify Caller: Request official identification or contact the organisation directly to verify the claims.
- Block and Report: Block spam calls using designated apps of your telecom operator or helplines.
- Educate Family Members: Create awareness regarding such scams, especially among elderly relations who tend to be more vulnerable.
- Report to 1930 on toll free line or Report on https://www.cybercrime.gov.in in case of any financial loss or report any such suspicious calls as specified below.
Where to Report Suspicious Calls
To combat this menace effectively, the Indian government has provided platforms for reporting and verifying fraudulent activities. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Report Suspected Fraud & Unsolicited Commercial Communication (DOT) – Visit https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/sfc/ to report unsolicited calls and messages. This platform helps trace and tackle telecom-related fraud.
- Suspect Repository (MHA) – Use the https://cybercrime.gov.in/webform/suspect_search_repository.aspx to check if a number or email ID has been flagged for suspicious activity.
- Suspect Reporting (MHA) – File a report at https://cybercrime.gov.in/Webform/cyber_suspect.aspx to alert authorities about fraudulent calls or activities.
- Report Abuse on Social Media – https://www.endnowfoundation.org/how-to-report-on-social-media/
- Report Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC) or Spam – https://trai.gov.in/what-spam-or-ucc
- Report Incoming International Call With Indian Number (RICWIN) – https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/InternationalCall/ReportIntCall.jsp
- Report Lost Mobile Phones – https://ceir.sancharsaathi.gov.in/Home/index.jsp
Building a Safe Digital Space
In the dynamic world of cybercrime, vigilance and proactive action is key. It’s vital we unite against fake extortionists. Share do’s and don’ts with your surrounding community, use available advocacy tools, and be reminded that no official agency will ever seek sensitive information or payment by phone.
