Scam Alert: Be Cautious of Calls from Unknown Numbers and Identify Scammers

Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics to deceive unsuspecting individuals. With tighter regulations on SIM card purchases, fraudsters have now found a new way to trick people. They are using apps to generate phone numbers that closely resemble Indian ones. These numbers often appear familiar, making it harder to spot a scam.

How the Scam Works

Fraudsters are leveraging VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calls, which are made from numbers beginning with prefixes like +87, +86, +67, and +69. While these numbers may look similar to Indian phone numbers, genuine Indian numbers always start with +91. If you receive a call or message from any of these suspicious numbers, avoid engaging with the caller and report it immediately.

In some cases, scammers send fake parcels to your address, claiming you’ve placed an order. They then pressure you to pay for the items. In other instances, fraudsters may pretend to be from your telecom provider, threatening to disconnect your number unless you comply with their demands. The telecom department has urged customers to remain vigilant and report such incidents promptly.

How to Protect Yourself

Do not share personal information with anyone over the phone, especially if the caller is unknown or claims to be from a service provider.

Be cautious of unsolicited calls from unfamiliar numbers, especially those with unusual prefixes.

Report suspicious activity to the authorities via official platforms like the Sanchar Sathi portal or the government’s cybercrime portal.

How to File a Complaint

If you suspect you’ve been scammed or received fraudulent communication, you can file a complaint online. Here's how:

Visit the Sanchar Sathi portal.

To report a cybercrime, go to https://cybercrime.gov.in/.

You can file a complaint anonymously by selecting "Report Other Cybercrime" and following the instructions to submit the necessary details.

If you prefer, you can also reach out to the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 to report the issue.

Stay alert and protect yourself from cybercrime by being cautious with calls and messages from unknown sources.