Mobile Fraud Under Scanner: 82 Lakh Numbers Under Probe, Bihar Among Top States | India News
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To boost the crackdown, the Home Ministry and DoT are using the ASTR toolkit, an AI and Big Data tool that detects suspicious mobile connections taken under different names
3.57 lakh mobile numbers have been identified and either shut down or are in the process of being deactivated. (Representative/Shutterstock)
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is ramping up efforts to combat mobile number-related fraud, promising stringent measures against offenders. The DoT is currently investigating mobile numbers across the country, having already compiled a list of approximately 82 lakh numbers, with the process of shutting them down underway. Notably, over 300,000 of these numbers belong to Bihar, Rajasthan, and West Bengal.
This move, driven by the Home Ministry, aims to curb cyber crimes. Recently, based on complaints lodged on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), 3.57 lakh mobile numbers have been identified and either shut down or are in the process of being deactivated, with most connections originating from Rajasthan, Bihar, and West Bengal.
Ministry Prepares ASTR Toolkit
To enhance the effectiveness of this operation, the Home Ministry and DoT are employing various technologies, including the ASTR toolkit. According to sources, this indigenous AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Big Data Analytics Tool is designed to identify suspicious mobile connections taken by the same person under different names. Using this technology, over 82 lakh connections that failed re-verification have been closed.
New Orders Issued To Operators
New regulations have been issued to mobile operators to fortify the mobile connection infrastructure. These include mandatory KYC (Know Your Customer) for all mobile numbers. Telecom companies have also been directed to register their point of sale (that is, SIM sellers) only after biometric and address verification. Additionally, POS agents must undergo physical verification of both their business and permanent addresses.
Online SIM Card Sales To Be Stopped
The Department of Telecommunications has restricted the online supply of SIM cards. If any point of sale violates the rules, its contract may be cancelled and it could be blacklisted across all telecom companies. KYC norms for business connections have also been tightened. Now, KYC of every end user is mandatory. In addition, KYC has been made compulsory for SIM swaps or replacements.
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