The Ministry of Communications issued a caution to smartphone users regarding WhatsApp calls originating from foreign numbers, which falsely claim to be from officials of the Department of Telecom. In a recent advisory, the Department of Telecom pointed out that WhatsApp users were receiving calls with threats of having their services disconnected.

Calls on WhatsApp originating from international numbers

As per the Department of Telecom, these calls are fraudulent attempts to obtain personal information from individuals and perpetrate financial fraud. The Department of Telecom issued a cautionary advisory regarding WhatsApp calls originating from foreign mobile numbers (like +92-xxxxxxxxxx), where individuals impersonate government officials to deceive people.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has alerted citizens to beware of calls where individuals falsely claim to be from DoT, threatening to disconnect their mobile numbers or alleging their involvement in illegal activities using their mobile numbers. The statement indicated that cybercriminals use these calls to intimidate or obtain personal information for the purpose of committing cybercrimes or financial fraud.

Report these calls to the authorities

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) stated that no one is authorized to make such calls on its behalf. They have advised people to stay alert and refrain from sharing any information if they receive such calls.The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has urged citizens to use the 'Chakshu-Report Suspected Fraud Communications' tool on the Sanchar Saathi portal to report any fraudulent communications. This reporting helps the DoT in preventing the misuse of telecom resources for cybercrimes and financial frauds.

Source - Buisness Standard