[Don’t Answer] Spam Calls from International Codes (+77, +89, +85, +86, +84) Targeting India

• Cybercriminals use international codes like +77, +89, +85, +86, and +84 for scams.
• India has lost over ₹2,140 crore to fraudulent calls in just ten months.
• The government urges vigilance and reports of spam through the Sanchar Saathi portal.

Cybercrime has been a growing concern in India, with people falling prey to increasingly sophisticated scams. Many victims report losing significant amounts of money to fraudsters who use fear and manipulation to achieve their goals. Often, these scammers impersonate authorities, creating scenarios that pressure individuals into sharing sensitive information or making payments.

To tackle this menace, the Indian government has been raising awareness and taking proactive measures to protect citizens. For instance, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has warned the public about suspicious international calls from numbers beginning with +77, +89, +85, +86, and +84. Recognizing and reporting such calls is a crucial step to safeguarding oneself from fraudsters.

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Spam Fraud Calls Alert

Fraud calls in India have reached alarming levels, with cybercriminals becoming more daring and innovative in their tactics. One of their primary strategies involves spoofing international numbers to make their calls appear authentic. These fraudsters often pose as officials from respected organizations such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), or even the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

A concerning case recently involved a young student who received a call from someone claiming to be an officer from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The scammer alleged that the student’s phone number was under investigation and would be deactivated unless certain conditions were met. Trapped in fear, the student disclosed his bank details, leading to a loss of ₹7.29 lakh. Incidents like these underscore the importance of staying vigilant.

Recognizing and Reporting Fraudulent Calls

• Unfamiliar Country Codes: Be cautious if you receive calls from +77, +89, +85, +86, or +84.
• Pressure Tactics: Scammers often use threats or urgent claims to pressure you into acting quickly.
• Verify Authenticity: Always double-check claims made by callers. Authentic organizations rarely use international numbers for communication.
• Report Fraud: Use the Sanchar Saathi portal to report suspicious calls to the authorities.

Steps to Stay Safe

• Do Not Share Sensitive Information: Never disclose bank details, OTPs, or passwords over the phone.
• Enable Call Blocking: Use your smartphone’s call-blocking feature or third-party apps to filter suspicious numbers.
• Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with common scams and stay informed through trusted sources.
• Alert Authorities: If you suspect a scam, report it immediately to prevent others from falling victim.

Government Initiatives to Combat Spam

The Indian government has taken significant measures to curb fraud calls. The Department of Telecommunications, in collaboration with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, has set up mechanisms like Sanchar Saathi to monitor and block spam numbers. Public awareness campaigns have also been launched to educate citizens about the dangers of sharing personal details over the phone.

Spam calls and fraud calls in India are growing threats, causing significant financial losses and emotional distress. Scammers exploit fear and urgency, often using international numbers like +77, +89, +85, +86, and +84 to appear credible. By staying alert, reporting suspicious activities, and following the government’s guidelines, we can collectively combat this menace and protect ourselves from falling prey to these criminals.