Telecom minister asks Indians not to pick calls from unknown numbers, here is why

By Divya Bhati: India is witnessing a surge in online scam cases, with reports of numerous individuals receiving calls and messages from unfamiliar international numbers in recent months. Scammers are now extending their reach to messaging apps such as WhatsApp, using deceptive tactics to trick unsuspecting individuals and steal their hard-earned money. To combat the rising cases, and take precautions, Telecom minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has requested Indians not to pick mobile phone calls from "unknown numbers".

Addressing reporters and responding to a question regarding spam calls and cyber fraud, Vaishnaw emphasized an important request for people residing across the country. He urged them to refrain from answering mobile phone calls from "unknown numbers." He stated, "People should never pick calls made from unknown numbers. I request every citizen that they should respond to calls from only (telephone/mobile) those numbers they recognise," as reported by The Times of India.

Since not all unknown callers are necessarily involved in scam calls, Ashwini clarified that individuals should only respond to unknown numbers if an identification message is sent by such callers.

The minister further revealed that the Telecom ministry has taken additional measures to address the increasing incidents of cyber fraud. Vaishnaw emphasised the recent introduction of the 'Sanchar Saathi' portal by the ministry to tackle spam calls and cyber fraud. He revealed that the government has blacklisted over 40 lakh incorrect SIM cards and 41,000 unauthorised "points of sale" agents.

Sanchar Saathi is an artificial intelligence-based portal designed to help users prevent online telecom fraud, especially related to lost or stolen phones. The portal has a range of features aimed at safeguarding personal data and enabling individuals to take control over their phone connections.

One key feature of the Sanchar Saathi portal is its ability to trace and block lost or stolen phones, even if a new SIM card is inserted. This feature ensures that the device can be disconnected from any network provider, preventing unauthorised access to personal information and usage of the phone.To further enhance security, the portal has also introduced three consumer-facing reforms.

Meanwhile, the government has urged the instant messaging platform WhatsApp to address the increasing cases of scams occurring through its platform. In response to the ministry's advice, the Meta-owned WhatsApp took action by blocking around 36 lakh mobile connections till now. WhatsApp said that it has ramped up its artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) systems to bring down fake call incidents significantly. "Our new enforcemeant will reduce the current calling rate by at least 50 per cent and we expect to be able to control the current incidence effectively. We will continue to work relentlessly towards ensuring a safe experience for our users," a company spokesperson had said in the statement.," a company spokesperson had said in the statement.