Electricity KYC Scam: DoT To Block 392 Handsets Involved In Cybercrime

The Chakshu Portal working for the detection of fraud and cybercrime has been proactive in reporting suspected frauds and misuse by the citizens. In a recent turn of events, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has announced that it will be blocking 392 handsets across the nation about complaints of Electricity KYC fraud received through the Chakshu Portal.

What Is The Electricity KYC Scam? Why Is It In The News? 

Scamming and the conduction of fraud through WhatsApp and other modes of communication have become pretty common nowadays. To facilitate the reporting of such frauds and counter-striking against such fraudsters, the government launched the Chakshu portal, wherein citizens can report suspected fraud communications.

Some reported communications and complaints received through the B revealed fraudsters and imposters posing as electricity service providers. Such fraudsters contacted the citizens and asked them to update their Know Your Customer (KYC) details to avoid disruption of electricity. 

Messages containing requests for personal details and illicit and malicious links were circulated through WhatsApp and text messages. These messages targeted the customers for monetary gain. 

Often, such messages also included corrupt APK files intended to manipulate and take control over the users’ devices. 

What Is KYC?

KYC is short for ‘Know Your Customer. It is a process involving verification of personal details of a consumer by the respective authority. It is an assessment of suitability and reality of a consumer. 

KYC is important as it prevents fraud, financial terrorism, money laundering and other financial crimes. It strengthens the authenticity of the individual or person undergoing KYC. 

What Happens During A KYC Scam?

Scams in the name of KYC involve defrauding people to obtain sensitive information. Fake calls and messages are made seeking personal details to authenticate and for KYC verification purposes. They obtain information such as PAN details, Aadhar details, bank details, One-Time-Passwords (OTPs) to commit financial fraud. 

Approach the Chakshu Portal in case you undergo similar suspicious activity. 

What Actions Have Been Taken In Response To The Electricity KYC Scam By DoT? 

The DoT cracked down on the handsets as well as the mobile connections that were found to be linked to the scam. An Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled analysis conducted on the Chakshu Portal involving a similar category of complaints shed light on the ongoing Electricity Scam. 

The DoT directed the verification of 31,740 mobile connections linked to the 392 handsets. Furthermore, in a bold move, the DoT announced that it would be blocking the identified 392 handsets. It has urged and directed all telecom service providers to block these handsets in an IMEI-based manner across India. 

This action by the DoT in light of increasing scams in the country strengthens the belief of the citizens towards the commitment of government departments towards countering unlawful activities. 

How To Report A Suspected Fraud On Chakshu Portal?

The Chakshu facility was recently added to the preexisting Sanchar Saathi portal of the DoT. It is a reporting facility wherein citizens can report fraud communication received over call, text message or WhatsApp. 

The following steps can be taken to report such communication on the Chakshu facility:

• Visit the Sanchar Saathi portal on their official website here. 

• Click on the Chakshu-Report Suspected Fraud Communication link on the homepage. 

• Fill in the details and submit the report. 

Conclusion

India ranked 10th in cybercrime with most scams revolving around advance payment of fees and India also saw a 52% jump in cases of reported cybercrime since 2021. The recent order by the DoT comes as an important step in countering cyber crimes and frauds. The facilitation by the department towards reporting such activities through the Sanchar Saathi as well as the Chakshu Portal eases the method of removing such unlawful elements from the society. 

For more information, mail at help-sancharsaati@gov.in or visit the Sanchar Saathi website and Chakshu Portal.