DoT Orders Blocking of 392 Mobile Handsets Linked to Electricity KYC Scam
Government takes action against fraudsters posing as electricity officials to combat rising cyber threats
Cases of online fraud are increasing continuously. Keeping this in mind, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has instructed to block 392 mobile handsets across India. Let us tell you that these handsets were identified as being used in the electricity KYC update scam. To do this scam, the fraudsters contact people through SMS and WhatsApp posing as electricity department officials.
More than 30 thousand numbers will be closed
KYC scam became the reason
Threat of cutting electricity will be received
Instructions given to block 392 mobile handsets
To stop the increasing cyber threat, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has instructed to block 392 mobile handsets across India. These handsets were identified as being used in the electricity KYC update scam. To do this scam, the fraudsters contact people through SMS and WhatsApp posing as electricity department officials. In these messages, users are asked to update their KYC details. If this is not done, the electricity of the house will be cut off.
They threaten to cut off electricity
These messages usually contain a dangerous link, which asks for personal information. Fraudsters misuse this information for financial fraud. This action by the Department of Telecommunications comes after an increase in complaints received through the 'Chakshu' platform. 'Chakshu' is a government initiative that allows citizens to report suspected fraudulent communications.
Complain on the 'Chakshu' portal
Acting on these reports, the Department of Telecommunications used AI-powered analysis on the 'Chakshu' portal to identify a network of fraudulent activity. This analysis revealed a connection between 392 mobile handsets and more than 31,740 mobile numbers involved in the scam. Based on these findings, the Department of Telecommunications asked telecommunications companies to block the identified mobile numbers and handsets across the country.
How to avoid scams
- Do not click on any suspicious link or download attachment in the name of the Electricity Department.
- Never share your bank details, OTPs or account numbers with anyone over text messages.
- If you have any doubts about the message, contact the electricity department through their official website or phone number.
- Use strong passwords and use two-factor authentication to keep your electricity account safe.
