DoT Launches Digital Intelligence Platform and AI Tools to Tackle Rising Telecom Fraud, Cyber Scams

New Delhi, July 24: In response to the surge in fake calls, SMS scams, and telecom-linked financial frauds, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has rolled out multiple digital initiatives including an AI-powered fraud detection tool and a secure Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) to share information among stakeholders.

According to Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications, the DIP enables seamless data sharing between 620 onboarded entities, including police departments, central agencies, banks, GSTN, and telecom operators, helping coordinate efforts against cybercrime and telecom misuse.

Dr Pemmasani provided this information in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

Key Measures Announced

• ASTR Tool: An AI and Big Data-powered system to detect SIM cards obtained using fake or multiple identities, helping curb misuse at the source.
• Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI): A risk-scoring system for mobile numbers (Medium, High, Very High) to help banks and UPI providers proactively flag high-risk users and enhance customer protection.
• International Spoof Call Blocking: DoT and telecom providers have implemented systems to identify and block international spoofed calls that falsely appear as Indian numbers.
• Sanchar Saathi Platform: Citizens are encouraged to use the portal/app to report suspicious communications and check fraud history of mobile connections.
• Sanchar Mitra Volunteer Program: Student volunteers across universities are educating citizens through awareness drives, workshops, and public engagement on telecom safety and digital hygiene.

The DoT’s initiatives complement efforts by the Ministry of Home Affairs, which oversees cybercrime law enforcement via the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in). In 2024 alone, over 19.18 lakh complaints were filed with ₹22,811.95 crore in financial losses reported through the portal.

The Ministry reiterated that public awareness, inter-agency collaboration, and the use of advanced analytics are critical to fighting the growing threat of telecom-based financial frauds in India.