In a proactive move to counter malicious incoming calls and protect citizens from cybercrimes and frauds, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), under the Ministry of Communications, has issued a stern advisory to the public. The cautionary measure comes as a response to an emerging scam where fraudsters manipulate telecom subscribers into activating unconditional call forwarding on their mobile phones, providing the criminals with the ability to intercept all incoming calls.
The modus operandi of the scam involves fraudsters posing as customer service representatives or technical support staff from telecom service providers. They contact unsuspecting subscribers, claiming there is a purported issue with their SIM card or a network-related problem. To resolve the fabricated issues, the fraudster then instructs the victim to dial a specific code, typically starting with *401# followed by an unknown mobile number.
Once the victim follows these instructions, unconditional call forwarding is activated on their mobile number, rerouting all incoming calls to the fraudster’s mobile device. This alarming tactic grants the scammer unauthorized access to sensitive information, paving the way for potential fraud and illicit activities.
The DoT has been diligently spreading awareness about this scam and emphasizes the following precautions for citizens to protect themselves:
- *Avoid Dialing 401#: Telecom service providers never request subscribers to dial *401#. If anyone receives such a request, it should be treated as suspicious.
- Check Call Forwarding Settings: Regularly review mobile phone settings for call forwarding and disable it immediately if enabled. Call forwarding should only be utilized when necessary.
The DoT has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious calls or activities to their respective telecom service providers. Staying informed and cautious is crucial in thwarting cybercrimes and ensuring the safety and security of personal information.
By raising awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility among telecom users, the DoT aims to curb the prevalence of such scams and create a safer digital environment for citizens.
