Govt warns against fraud WhatsApp calls impersonating govt officials: Here's how to stay safe

The Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, issued an advisory on Friday over spoof calls coming to users from foreign origin numbers. The ministry has said that calls are being made wherein the callers, in the name of DoT, are threatening people saying that all of their mobile numbers will be disconnected or are being used in some illegal activities. Such calls are being made to threaten or steal personal information for cybercrime and financial fraud. The department has told mobile phone users in the country to stay vigilant and not share personal information.

DoT advises citizens to report fraud calls to Govt portal

As per the advisory, normal calls as well as WhatsApp calls are being made impersonating DoT or government officials. Such calls create panic among those who attend them and listen to the caller. The callers making such threatening calls seek personal information by saying that their mobile number will be disconnected or is being misused. Such calls are coming from numbers of foreign origin.

“The DoT has issued advisory about WhatsApp calls from foreign origin mobile numbers (like +92-xxxxxxxxxx) impersonating government officials and duping the people,” noted the advisory.

“Cyber criminals through such calls try to threat/steal personal information to carry out cybercrime/financial frauds. The DoT does not authorise anyone to make such calls on its behalf and has advised people to stay vigilant and asked not to share any information or receiving such calls.”

DoT has also advised people to report such fraud calls on Sanchar Saathi’s Chakshu-Report Suspected Fraud Comunications’ facility.

How to report fraud calls on Sanchar Saathi portal

Follow the steps below to stay safe.

Step 1: Visit the Sanchar Saathi portal.

Step 2: Tap the ‘Report Suspected Fraud Communication Chakshu’ option.

Step 3: Read the guidelines and tap on Continue for reporting.

Step 4: Enter all the details, including call details complaint, time, etc.

Step 5: Tap on Verify Mobile via OTP to confirm and file a complaint.

If you are already a victim of such calls and have given any information to the fraudster, DoT recommends you call the helpline number – 1030 or visit the cybercrime portal. On the cybercrime portal, people can register their complaints online without the need to go anywhere.