Government Cracks Down on Fraudulent SMS Headers and Content Templates
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has taken a significant step towards protecting citizens from potential SMS fraud. In collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) through the Sanchar Saathi initiative, the DoT has blacklisted 73 SMS headers and 1,522 SMS content templates. This move aims to prevent fraudulent activities and safeguard citizens from cybercrime.
Protecting citizens from cybercrime
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) provided information about the misuse of eight SMS Headers for sending fraudulent communications, leading to the blacklisting of these entities. The DoT has taken down more than 10,000 fraudulent messages that were sent using these eight headers in the past three months.
Fraudulent messages on the rise
The blacklisted Principal Entities, SMS Headers, and templates can no longer be used to send SMS through any telecom operator. This move is a significant step towards preventing further potential victimization of citizens.
Government takes action against cybercrime
Citizens can report suspected fraud communications at the Chakshu facility on Sanchar Saathi to help the DoT in the prevention of misuse of telecom resources for cybercrime and financial frauds.
Report fraud and help prevent cybercrime
It is essential to note that the government does not permit the use of mobile numbers for telemarketing activities. If a consumer uses their telephone connection to send promotional messages, their connection will be liable for disconnection on the first complaint, and their name and address may be blacklisted for a period of two years.
Telemarketing calls can be identified
Telemarketing calls can be identified by their prefixes: 180, 140, and 10-digit numbers are not permitted for telemarketing. Users can dial 1909 or use the DND (Do Not Disturb) service to report spam.
Report spam and stay safe
The government’s efforts to combat cybercrime and fraudulent activities are commendable. It is essential for citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspected fraud communications to help prevent further victimization.
Stay safe online
