The Indian government has launched a new spam-tracking system designed to protect telecom subscribers from fraudulent international calls disguised as local Indian numbers. The system, known as the International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System, blocked over 1.35 crore spoofed calls within 24 hours of its launch, marking a significant victory in the country’s fight against cybercrime.

Key Points:

Launch Success: Over 1.35 crore spoofed international calls were blocked in 24 hours.

Objective: To prevent fraudulent calls disguised as Indian numbers using the +91 prefix.

Cybersecurity Measure: Aimed at curbing financial scams and fake impersonations.

Government Initiative: Launched by Union Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Collaboration: Developed with telecom service providers for effective call filtering.

Chakshu Facility: Citizens can report suspicious calls via the Sanchar Saathi platform.

Future Improvements: Continuous monitoring and updates to improve the system’s defenses.

How the Spam-Tracking System Works

The spam-tracking system targets international calls that use the Indian country code (+91) to deceive recipients into thinking the calls are local. Cybercriminals often use these tactics to impersonate officials, leading to scams involving fake legal threats or financial fraud.

By working closely with telecom service providers (TSPs), the government has implemented this advanced system to detect and block such spoofed calls before they reach Indian subscribers. The system’s ability to prevent nearly 90% of all identified fraudulent calls within 24 hours of launch shows its effectiveness.

Why the System Matters

Spoofed calls have been used in a range of cybercrimes, including fraudulent impersonations of government officials and threats of arrest or fines. These scams often lead to financial losses or cause panic among citizens. By blocking these deceptive calls, the government is safeguarding citizens from cybercrimes that rely on phone-based scams.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasized the importance of the new system, noting that it plays a crucial role in creating a safer digital environment. He described the initiative as part of the government’s broader efforts to secure India’s growing digital economy.

Reporting Fraudulent Calls

Despite the system’s success, the government acknowledges that some fraudsters may attempt to bypass the security measures. To counter this, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has encouraged citizens to report any suspicious calls or messages through the Chakshu facility on the Sanchar Saathi platform. This additional layer of security allows for more targeted actions against cybercriminals who try to exploit the system.

Enhancing Digital Security for the Future

The launch of the International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System is just the latest in a series of government initiatives aimed at protecting citizens from digital fraud. As cybercrime tactics evolve, the government is committed to continuously improving the system’s defenses, ensuring that a substantial number of spoofed calls never reach Indian users.

Conclusion

India’s new spam-tracking system is a significant step forward in combating the growing threat of cyber fraud. With over 1.35 crore spoofed calls blocked in just one day, the system has already proven to be a powerful tool in safeguarding Indian telecom users from scams. As the system evolves, it is expected to further enhance the country’s digital security landscape.