Electricity Bill Payment Scam: DoT Takes Action Against Fraudsters
DoT has taken action against electricity bill payment scamsters.
In a decisive move to combat the growing menace of electricity bill payment scams, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has initiated a Pan India IMEI-based blocking of 392 mobile handsets involved in cybercrime and financial frauds. This decisive action comes after vigilant citizens reported fraudulent activities related to electricity bill payments and KYC updates.
DoT’s Response to Electricity Bill Payment Scams
The DoT’s proactive approach follows numerous reports of fraudsters using SMS and WhatsApp messages to deceive individuals. These messages often pose as urgent requests for electricity KYC updates, leading victims to download malicious APK files that allow scammers to gain control over their devices. To address this, the DoT has leveraged the ‘Chakshu-Report Suspected Fraud Communications’ facility on its Sanchar Saathi portal.
Key Measures Implemented by DoT
- IMEI Blocking: The DoT has directed all Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to block the IMEIs of 392 mobile handsets identified as being used in these scams.
- Re-verification of Mobile Connections: A total of 31,740 mobile connections linked to the fraudulent handsets are undergoing re-verification. Numbers failing re-verification will face immediate disconnection, and the associated handsets will be blocked.
The Role of Vigilant Citizens
The success of this operation underscores the importance of citizen vigilance. Reports made via the Chakshu facility have been instrumental in identifying and analyzing fraudulent activities. The AI-driven analysis on the Sanchar Saathi portal initially identified five suspect numbers, which expanded to uncover the extensive network of 392 handsets involved in the scams.
About the Chakshu Facility
The Chakshu facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal (www.Sancharsaathi.gov.in) enables citizens to report suspected fraud communications. These can include calls, SMS, or WhatsApp messages with intentions to defraud, such as:
- Electricity KYC expiry or update requests
- Bank account or payment wallet updates
- SIM or gas connection updates
- Impersonation scams
- Threats of disconnection from government services
Enhancing Telecom Security
This initiative reflects the DoT’s commitment to safeguarding citizens from digital frauds and enhancing the security of telecommunications networks. By addressing the electricity bill payment scam and other related fraudulent activities, the DoT aims to provide a safer digital environment for all.
For more information and to report suspected fraud communications, visit the Sanchar Saathi portal at www.Sancharsaathi.gov.in.
