DoT Warns Against Accepting WhatsApp Calls From Foreign Origin Numbers Like +92

The Department of Telecommunications ( DoT ) has issued a cautionary advisory to mobile users, urging them to refrain from answering calls originating from foreign numbers such as those beginning with +92 on WhatsApp .

Furthermore, on Friday, the DoT clarified that individuals should refrain from disclosing any personal information if they receive a call where the caller claims to be a government official and threatens to deactivate their mobile number due to alleged involvement in illicit activities.

In an effort to combat such fraudulent communications, the DoT has encouraged citizens to promptly report any suspicious activity through the 'Chakshu-Report Suspected Fraud Communications' feature on the Sanchar Saathi portal (www.sancharsaathi.gov.in). This proactive approach will assist the DoT in thwarting the misuse of telecommunications resources for cybercrimes and financial fraud.

Additionally, the DoT has advised individuals to report instances of cybercrime or financial fraud to the cybercrime helpline at 1930 or via www.cybercrime.gov.in if they have already fallen victim to such offenses.

Cybercriminals often attempt to extract personal information through such calls to facilitate cybercrimes or financial fraud. The DoT has emphasized that it does not authorize anyone to make such calls on its behalf and has urged the public to remain vigilant, refraining from disclosing any information upon receiving such calls.

There has been a surge in reports of individuals receiving calls wherein the caller, posing as a DoT representative, threatens to disconnect all their mobile numbers or alleges their involvement in illegal activities. Additionally, there have been instances of WhatsApp calls originating from foreign numbers (e.g., +92-xxxxxxxxxx), with the callers impersonating government officials in order to deceive individuals.

It is important to note that +92 is the country code for Pakistan, while all local calls within India typically begin with +91.