The Indian government has disconnected 5.5 million phone numbers obtained using fake documents in a crackdown on fraudulent mobile phone connections. Minister of Communications Devusinh Chauhan announced the success of the nationwide verification campaign through the Sanchar Saathi portal. The campaign aimed to curb cybercrime and financial fraud facilitated through illegal SIM cards. In addition to deactivating the connections, 1.32 lakh handsets were blocked for involvement in cybercrime and financial fraud, and 13.42 lakh suspicious connections were disconnected. The government has also launched consumer awareness campaigns to keep consumers informed and aware about their mobile connections.
In a major crackdown on fraudulent mobile phone connections, the Indian government has disconnected a staggering 5.5 million phone numbers obtained using fake documents. This comes as a result of a nationwide verification campaign launched through the "
Sanchar Saathi
" portal, aimed at curbing cybercrime and financial fraud facilitated through illegal SIM cards.
Speaking in the parliament, Minister of Communications Devusinh Chauhan announced the initiative's success, highlighting that 55.52 lakh (5.5 million) connections were deactivated after verification revealed forged identification documents.
Additionally, 1.32 lakh handsets were blocked for involvement in cybercrime and financial fraud, while 13.42 lakh suspicious connections reported by citizens were also disconnected.
The minister, according to a report by The Economic Times, said that the government was stepping up efforts to keep consumers informed and aware about the
mobile connections
they have under their names. The government has launched consumer awareness campaigns and raised concerns about cyber frauds.
The rampant use of fake documents to obtain SIM cards creates fertile ground for criminal activities, including financial scams, phishing calls, and identity theft. These illegal connections often serve as tools for anonymity, making it difficult for law enforcement to track down perpetrators.
What is the Sanchar Saathi portal?
The "Sanchar Saathi" portal, launched in July 2023, empowered citizens to report suspicious mobile activity.The portal also allows users to verify the authenticity of phone numbers, offering them greater control over their privacy and security. Sanchar Saathi portal is initiative of
Department of Telecommunications
to empower mobile subscribers, strengthen their security and increase awareness about citizen centric initiatives of the Government. Sanchar Saathi allows users to know the mobile connections issued in their name, get disconnected the connections not required by them, block/trace lost mobile phones and check genuineness of devices while buying a new/old mobile phone.
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