The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has taken strict action against cyber fraud, banning 2.2 million WhatsApp accounts and 2.7 million mobile IMEI numbers. This action was taken based on user complaints received through the Sanchar Saathi portal.
DoT: The Indian government is taking a series of significant steps to combat cybercrime, ensuring the security of Digital India. In this regard, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently took another stringent action, blocking over 2.2 million WhatsApp accounts. These accounts were found to be involved in attempts to deceive citizens through fake calls and messaging. This action was taken based on user complaints received through the Sanchar Saathi portal.
Sanchar Saathi: A Digital Weapon for Public Safety
The Department of Telecommunications has launched an advanced portal and mobile app called 'Sanchar Saathi', which provides citizens with the facility to register complaints about cyber fraud, fake calls, and spam messages. Based on the complaints received on this portal, 2.2 million suspicious WhatsApp accounts were banned.
This is not the first time the DoT has taken action against a large number of accounts, but this effort is one of the most extensive actions to date.
How Does This System Work?
On the Sanchar Saathi portal, the user needs to enter the details of the suspicious number from which they received a fake call or fraudulent message. Along with this, they must also provide a screenshot of the call or message, the time it was received, and other details. After this, the DoT and relevant agencies conduct a thorough investigation of the number and account and ban the account if found guilty.
Increasing Fraud on WhatsApp: Why is it Dangerous?
WhatsApp, as a messaging platform, is used by crores of people in India today. Cyber fraudsters misuse it to trap people through various methods like fake lotteries, job offers, KYC updates, and bank fraud. These fake accounts are operated from both domestic and international locations, making their identification and control difficult.
But the Sanchar Saathi portal and the DoT's technical teams are now keeping an eye on such cases and ensuring that no ordinary citizen falls prey to deception.
Largest Action Till Date: IMEI Numbers Also Banned
Besides WhatsApp accounts, the DoT has also blacklisted the IMEI numbers of 2.7 million mobile handsets. IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique code for every mobile phone. Blacklisting an IMEI means that the phone cannot be used on any network. This step was taken against stolen, fake, or illegally activated mobile phones.
Furthermore, 42 million mobile numbers have already been blocked, which were used on fake documents or found to be related to cyber fraud.
Steps Towards Securing Digital India
The Department of Telecommunications, through its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, informed that this campaign was conducted across the country and action was taken in every state and union territory. This effort is a b step towards making India safe from digital fraud.
The DoT said in its post
'Prevention of cyber fraud! With the help of 'Sanchar Saathi', 2.2 million WhatsApp accounts related to cybercrimes have been blocked. This step to stop fake accounts, fraud, and cyber thugs is making Digital India safe and reliable.'
How to Report Cyber Fraud – Step-by-Step Guide
If you receive a call, SMS, or WhatsApp message from a suspicious number or email, you can report it through the Sanchar Saathi portal:
- Go to the website https://sancharsaathi.gov.in or download the app.
- Click on the 'Report Cyber Fraud' or 'Citizen Centric Services' section.
- Enter the information of the received call or message in the form.
- Upload a screenshot of the call or message.
- Enter your mobile number and email.
- Receive and enter the OTP and submit the report.
