The Department of Telecommunication (DoT), under the Ministry of Communication, has issued a warning to citizens regarding fraudulent WhatsApp calls. These calls claim to be from DoT or government officials and are threatening mobile users. Here’s what you need to know:
Impersonation Calls: Cyber criminals are pretending to be telecom department representatives and threatening innocent citizens. They claim that the victims’ mobile numbers will be disconnected or are being misused for illegal activities.
Foreign-Origin Numbers: Be cautious of WhatsApp calls from foreign-origin mobile numbers, such as +92-xxxxxxxxxx. These calls impersonate government officials and aim to extract personal information for financial fraud.
Stay Vigilant: The DoT emphasizes that it does not authorize anyone to make such calls on its behalf. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and not share any information if they receive such calls.
Reporting Fraud Calls:
Use the Chakshu-Report Suspected Fraud Communications facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal to report such calls.
Check the mobile connections registered in your name using the Know Your Mobile Connections facility on the same portal. Report any connections that do not belong to you.
If you become a victim of cybercrime or financial fraud, report it via the cyber-crime helpline number 1920 or visit www.cybercrime.gov.in.
Remember to exercise caution and verify any suspicious calls before sharing personal information. Stay safe online! 📱🔒.