In the face of an escalating threat of spam calls and cyber fraud, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw called upon the public to exercise caution and refrain from answering mobile phone calls from unknown numbers. With India being one of the countries most affected by spam calls and messages, the minister’s advice comes as a timely reminder to protect oneself from potential scams and fraudulent activities.
Truecaller, a popular caller ID service application, revealed that Indians ranked ninth among the most targeted individuals across 20 countries plagued by spam calls, according to data released in 2021. Responding to concerns about the prevalence of spam calls and cyber frauds, the telecom minister emphasized the importance of only responding to calls from recognized telephone or mobile numbers. He urged citizens to refrain from answering calls made from unknown numbers and advised them to respond only if an identification message is sent from such callers.
To address these issues, the minister highlighted the recent launch of the ‘Sanchar Saathi’ portal by his ministry. This portal aims to combat spam calls and cyber frauds effectively. Additionally, he shared that more than 40 lakh wrong SIM cards and 41,000 fraudulent “points of sale” agents have been blacklisted as part of the ongoing efforts.
Combating Digital Threats: Union Minister Calls for Vigilance Against Spam Calls and Cyber Fraud
The minister acknowledged the significant role played by artificial intelligence in reducing these cases. The implementation of advanced technologies has contributed to the detection and prevention of spam calls and cyber frauds, safeguarding individuals from potential financial and personal losses.
Unfortunately, instances of cyber fraud continue to emerge, showcasing the impact of these criminal activities on innocent individuals. In a distressing incident, a family from north Delhi fell victim to cyber criminals who duped them of over ₹4 lakh under the pretext of securing the release of a close relative from an Australian prison. In another case, a 40-year-old woman from southwest Delhi lost ₹90,000 after downloading an app as instructed by cyber crooks. The woman was enticed by an offer promising a free food plate upon purchasing one.
Adding to the concerns, WhatsApp users have recently reported an increase in spam calls originating from various international country codes. In response, the Union government announced its intention to notify WhatsApp about the issue, considering it as a violation of user privacy and misuse of the platform. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the junior minister for electronics and information technology, emphasized that platforms delivering digital services bear the responsibility of ensuring openness, trust, safety, and accountability for their users. Chandrasekhar emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing alleged cases of misuse and breaches of privacy, urging WhatsApp and other messaging platforms to proactively address the problem of spam.
In conclusion, the growing menace of spam calls and cyber fraud poses a significant threat to individuals’ financial security and personal information. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s call to exercise caution and refrain from answering calls from unknown numbers serves as a crucial reminder for citizens to protect themselves from potential scams. The launch of the ‘Sanchar Saathi’ portal and the application of artificial intelligence in combating these issues demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing this pressing concern. However, it is essential for individuals to remain vigilant, stay informed about the latest security measures, and adopt best practices to safeguard themselves against the evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Guarding Against Digital Threats: Union Minister Highlights the Need for Vigilance Against Spam Calls and Cyber Fraud
In the midst of an increasingly menacing wave of spam calls and cyber fraud, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has urged the public to exercise caution and avoid answering calls from unknown numbers. India, grappling with a high volume of spam calls and messages, ranks among the top countries affected by this issue.
To address these concerns, the minister emphasized the importance of responding only to recognized telephone or mobile numbers and encouraged citizens to be vigilant against potential scams. Additionally, he highlighted the recent launch of the ‘Sanchar Saathi’ portal, which aims to combat spam calls and cyber fraud through the utilization of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Caller ID service application Truecaller reported that Indians ranked ninth among individuals targeted by spam calls in a list of 20 countries. This alarming statistic emphasizes the urgent need for increased awareness and preventive measures. In response to queries regarding spam calls and cyber fraud, the telecom minister stressed the significance of avoiding unknown numbers. He advised citizens to answer calls only from recognized sources and to respond to unknown numbers only when an identification message is sent.
To combat the growing threat of spam calls and cyber fraud, the Ministry of Telecommunications recently launched the ‘Sanchar Saathi’ portal. This innovative platform serves as an effective tool in preventing such fraudulent activities. Leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, the portal aids in the detection and prevention of spam calls and cyber frauds. As part of these efforts, over 40 lakh incorrect SIM cards and 41,000 fraudulent “points of sale” agents have been blacklisted, highlighting the government’s commitment to safeguarding the public from potential financial and personal losses.
