In a bid to fortify cybersecurity and prevent financial fraud, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched a series of initiatives to curb the misuse of telecom resources. Fraudsters have been employing various tactics, such as acquiring Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards and other telecommunication identifiers like SMS headers, to send bulk messages through fraudulent means, cheating, or personation. The DoT has also identified cases where individuals obtain SIM cards in their name and transfer them to others, who then misuse them for cyber-fraud activities.
The department has found instances where SIM cards are procured using fake documents, and point-of-sale entities have been implicated in facilitating these procurements, thus abetting the offences. Miscreants have also been modifying telecommunication identifiers like phone numbers (Calling Line Identity) via mobile apps, as well as tampering with other identifiers such as IP addresses, IMEI numbers, and SMS headers for fraudulent purposes.
All such activities are offences under the Telecommunication Act, 2023. The Act explicitly prohibits tampering with telecommunication identification and obtaining telecom resources through fraud. Violations of these provisions can result in imprisonment for up to three years, fines extending to fifty lakh rupees, or both. The Act also holds those who abet these offences accountable with the same penalties.
The stringent measures enforced by the Telecommunication Act, 2023, serve as a strong deterrent against the misuse of telecom resources, ensuring a secure and safe telecom ecosystem for all citizens. The DoT remains resolute in its commitment to preventing such misuse by implementing advanced solutions and policies.
