Centre warns users not to pick calls from Foreign Origin Numbers on WhatsApp

Digital Desk: In a cautionary recommendation, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) advises mobile users to exercise caution when accepting calls from international numbers on WhatsApp, such as those beginning with +92. The Ministry of Communications posted an alert on Friday, advising users not to disclose any information if they receive calls threatening to disconnect their mobile numbers because they are suspected of engaging in unlawful activities by people posing as government authorities.

"Cyber criminals through such calls try to threaten/steal personal information to carry out cyber-crime/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 on receiving such calls," the advisory said.

The frequency of reports of bogus calls posing as DoT authorities and threatening to deactivate mobile numbers or accusing them of being involved in illicit activities has increased. Furthermore, scammers have been known to use WhatsApp calls from foreign numbers, especially ones that begin with +92, which is Pakistan's country code, to trick people. 

The public is being asked by the Department of Technology to report fraudulent calls by using the Sanchar Saathi portal's 'Chakshu-Report Suspected Fraud Communications' feature (www.sancharsaathi.gov.in). 

By reporting ahead of time, the DoT can help stop the misappropriation of telecom resources for financial fraud and cybercrimes.

The recommendation asks people who have already been the victims of financial scams or cybercrimes to report the events to www.cybercrime.gov.in or the cybercrime hotline number 1930.

More than 1,500 callers, including international lines, connected to threats and cybercrimes were prohibited by the DoT suo moto earlier this year. In view of the rising prevalence of financial fraud, these measures are intended to reduce the abuse of telecom resources.