TRAI intensifies crackdown on fake calls & messages

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has taken strong measures against the growing menace of fake calls and messages, a cybercrime that has become increasingly troublesome.

In its latest move, TRAI has blocked around 2.75 lakh mobile numbers. In addition, it also has blacklisted several telemarketing service providers to curb these illegal activities.

In a decisive action against unregistered telemarketers, TRAI has focused on disrupting the operations of those misusing telecom channels for fraudulent purposes.

Over the past few months, the telecom regulator has repeatedly warned access service providers about the surge in fake telemarketing activities.

Responding to these concerns, TRAI blocked 2.75 lakh mobile numbers linked to fake calls and messages and blacklisted 50 telemarketing service providers.

New regulations set to take effect from October 1, 2024, will further tighten control over telemarketing practices.

Under these rules, telemarketers without whitelist approval will be prohibited from sending messages containing URLs or links.

Initially, these regulations were supposed to be implemented by August 31 but have been postponed to September 30, giving telemarketers a brief grace period to comply.

Reports indicate a significant rise in spam calls during the first half of 2024. Over 7.9 lakh complaints were lodged against unregistered telemarketers between January and June alone.

In response, on August 13, 2024, TRAI issued strict directives to all access providers. It instructed them to stop promotional voice immediately calls from unregistered entities using PRI, SIP, or other telecom resources.

As a result of TRAI’s enforcement, more than 50 telecom entities have been blacklisted for engaging in spamming activities.

Additionally, over 2.75 lakh mobile numbers and telecom resources have been disconnected to prevent further misuse.

During a meeting on August 8, 2024, TRAI outlined new guidelines for marketing messages and calls to telecom operators, telemarketers, and other stakeholders.

According to these guidelines, any entity misusing telecom lines for spam will face immediate disconnection of all telecom resources by its service provider.

This information will be shared among all telecom service providers, ensuring that the blacklisted entity is unable to access telecom resources for up to two years.

These actions underscore TRAI’s commitment to eliminating fake telemarketing calls and messages.

Besides, it also aims to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of telecom services in India.

Image Credit: ৰাজদ্বীপ ৰাজবংশী, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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