DoT disconnects 73 lakh mobile connections bought using fake documents

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has created a system to identify fraudulent mobile connections obtained using fake proof of identity or address documents.

These suspicious connections are flagged for reverification by telecom service providers (TSPs).

So far, the DoT has identified approximately 81 lakh suspected fraudulent mobile connections and forwarded their details to TSPs for reverification.

Meanwhile, the DoT also investigated about 1.92 crore mobile connections held by about 16 lakh subscribers, exceeding the prescribed limit of mobile connections that an individual can hold.

"About 66 lakh such mobile connections have been disconnected by the TSPs, thereby bringing the mobile connections within the prescribed limit for these 16 lakh subscribers," the DoT said.

A citizen domiciled in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and the North East licence service area can own up to 6 SIM cards across all TSPs on a pan-India basis, while those in the rest of India can own up to 9 SIMs.

Officials mentioned that complaints were received via the 'Chakshu' platform, which allows citizens to report suspected fraudulent communication from mobile numbers through calls, SMS, or social media like WhatsApp.

Integrated with the DoT’s Sanchar Sathi portal, Chakshu will initiate the re-verification and potential blocking of suspected fraudulent numbers. The DoT assured that the usernames and details of the suspected numbers and the individuals reporting them will remain confidential and will not be shared with anyone.

Officials mentioned that complaints were received via the 'Chakshu' platform, which allows citizens to report suspected fraudulent communication from mobile numbers through calls, SMS, or social media like WhatsApp.

Integrated with the DoT’s Sanchar Sathi portal, Chakshu will initiate the re-verification and potential blocking of suspected fraudulent numbers.

The DoT assured that the usernames and details of the suspected numbers and the individuals reporting them will remain confidential and will not be shared with anyone.

This year, the government has intensified its crackdown on mobile-based frauds and connection rule violations. In June, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) blocked 392 mobile handsets involved in cybercrime and financial frauds related to electricity Know Your Customer (KYC) updates.

Reverifications of 31,740 mobile connections linked to these handsets are also underway.

Earlier, in May, the DoT instructed telecom operators to block 28,200 mobile handsets misused in cybercrimes across India and issued orders for the immediate reverification of 20 lakh mobile connections associated with these devices.