Beware of Fake WhatsApp Calls from Pakistan: DoT’s Advisory for Calls Starting with +92
In an era where digital communication is indispensable, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a crucial advisory warning Indian citizens about the dangers of fake WhatsApp calls. Cybercriminals, impersonating government officials from the DoT, are exploiting these calls to intimidate individuals or to illicitly gather personal information for conducting cybercrimes and financial frauds.
The Scam Strategy
The advisory outlines a common scam tactic: individuals receive WhatsApp calls from unfamiliar numbers, with the caller often claiming to be a DoT official. These scammers might threaten to disconnect the victim’s mobile number or falsely accuse them of involvement in illegal activities. This tactic is not just alarming but also poses a significant risk of data theft.
Identifying Suspicious Calls
Particularly concerning is the trend of receiving WhatsApp calls from foreign numbers, notably those beginning with +92, which indicates the call is originating from Pakistan, as opposed to Indian numbers that start with +91. The DoT’s advisory underscores the importance of being vigilant about calls from such foreign numbers impersonating government officials, as these are almost certainly fraudulent.
How to Safeguard Your Information
To counteract these fraudulent attempts, the DoT has recommended several measures:
- Exercise caution when receiving calls from unknown numbers. Avoid accepting video calls from strangers and verify the identity of the caller if they claim to be an official representative.
- It’s vital to recognize that the DoT does not authorize any individual to make calls on its behalf, making any such claim a definitive red flag.
- Reporting any suspicious or fraudulent calls is encouraged through the ‘Chakshu-Report Suspected Fraud Communications’ feature available on the Sanchar Saathi portal (www.sancharsaathi.gov.in).
Proactive Steps Against Cybercrime
The advisory further advises citizens to use the ‘Know Your Mobile Connections’ facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal to check mobile connections registered in their name, reporting any unrecognized or unnecessary connections. In instances of becoming a victim of cybercrime or financial fraud, individuals are urged to report to the national cyber-crime helpline number 1930 or visit www.cybercrime.gov.in.
The issuance of this advisory by the DoT is a critical reminder of the ever-present risks in the digital age. Fake WhatsApp calls are a growing concern, and awareness combined with proactive measures can greatly mitigate the risks associated with these scams. Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and to protect their personal information against these fraudulent schemes.
