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

The Department of Telecom (DoT) in collaboration with telecom service providers, is rolling out an advanced system in phases to identify and block incoming international spoofed calls before they can reach Indian telecom subscribers. The telecom department, said in its official statement that it has observed that citizens are receiving many fraudulent calls, often disguised as originating from Indian mobile numbers.

The statement claimed that these calls are manipulated by cyber-criminals operating from abroad.

"DoT, in collaboration with TSPs, has introduced an advanced system designed to identify and block incoming international spoofed calls before they can reach Indian telecom subscribers. This system is being deployed in two phases: first, at the TSP level, to prevent calls spoofed with phone numbers of their own subscribers; and second, at a central level, to stop calls spoofed with the numbers of subscribers from other TSPs," the statement said.

According to DoT, cyber criminals exploit the Calling Line Identity (CLI) to mask the actual origin of the calls, which has led to a spate of incidents, involving threats of mobile number disconnection, fake digital arrests, and even impersonation of government officials or law enforcement agencies.

Recent cases have included false accusations involving drugs, narcotics, and sex rackets, further intensifying public concern, the statement said.