DoT taking AI’s help to block fraud from international numbers

To combat telecom fraud, DoT uses AI tools like ASTR, employing facial recognition to track fraudulent SIMs, identifying 78 lakh connections and filing 365 FIRs

In response to the surge in fraudulent activity involving Indian phone numbers, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has ramped up efforts to block spoofed calls. The government noticed an alarming rise in scam calls originating from Indian numbers, prompting the rollout of the "International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System." This telecom fraud solution has successfully reduced the number of spoofed calls by around 70%, with a significant number originating from overseas. The daily number of spoofed calls, which once peaked at 1.5 crore, has now dropped to approximately 5 lakh.

Despite this success, fraudsters have adapted, now using virtual private networks (VPNs) to disguise the origin of their calls. As a result, some Indian numbers are now appearing as international calls, complicating the detection of international call fraud. In response, the DoT is exploring further strategies, including collaboration with international long-distance operators and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to combat the issue. According to reports quoting an official, “This is a more complex problem that requires a multi-pronged solution. There is no mathematical formula to block all calls with international numbers, so there may be some cost attached.”

Leveraging AI and advanced tools to tackle telecom fraud

To tackle this growing menace, the DoT is also leveraging AI and advanced technologies. One such tool, ASTR (Artificial Intelligence for Security and Threat Recognition), uses facial recognition to track fraudulent SIM card registrations under different identities. This has led to the identification of 78 lakh fraudulent connections, with 365 FIRs filed against 1,900 points of sale violating telecom regulations. The tool is a key part of the telecom security analytics framework that helps enhance the detection of fraudulent activities across telecom networks.

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Further investigations have also uncovered large-scale frauds linked to Indian users roaming in Southeast Asia. Since July 2024, the DoT analyzed 6.9 lakh users in the region, blocking 2 lakh connections and 9,828 handsets involved in Telecom fraud.

In addition, the creation of a Digital Intelligence Platform has enabled better information-sharing among 520 entities, including central security agencies, state police, banks, telecom operators, and platforms like WhatsApp. This collaboration aims to tighten the grip on fraudulent call blocking and enhance security measures across telecom networks in the country.

Also Read: DoT, telcos rolling out advanced system to stop overseas spoof calls