India’s Biggest Spam Cleanup: TRAI Blocks Millions of Numbers Used for Scam Calls

New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has blocked a total of 21 lakh mobile numbers within the last year. These numbers were being used extensively for spam calls, fake loan offers, investment fraud, fraud in the name of KYC updates, sending fake links, and other illegal activities. TRAI took this strict step after the increasing number of complaints and continuous increase in cyber crimes.

Why is TRAI's new advice important for users?

TRAI has warned users that merely blocking spam numbers is not a solution to the problem. Many users block the number after receiving a spam call but do not report it, due to which criminals keep targeting people from other numbers. This is why TRAI has asked users to report every spam call or message through the reporting option provided in the TRAI DND app or message. This ensures that the system can automatically track and block such numbers.

After all, how were spam numbers identified on such a large scale?

TRAI said that these numbers were identified on the basis of telecom companies, cyber security agencies and user reports.

Three steps were adopted for this:

• User Reporting: Lakhs of complaints registered in TRAI DND app and toll-free system.
• AI-based filtering: Spam patterns, message templates, fraud words, and calling behavior are analyzed.
• Operator Verification: Telecom companies identified numbers that were showing persistent signs of illegal activities.

After these three processes, 21 lakh numbers were permanently blocked from the system.

What should users do to keep themselves safe?

TRAI has appealed to the people to take some precautions:

• Do not give sensitive information like OTP, bank details or Aadhaar on any unknown call.
• Even if a caller refers to a government official, bank employee, or police, do not accept anything without confirmation.
• Report every spam call or message by downloading TRAI DND app.
• In case of cyber fraud, contact the 1930 helpline immediately.

What will be the impact of this action of TRAI?

This large-scale action is expected to reduce cyber fraud and spam calls. Mobile users will get relief, and the pressure of spam activities on telecom networks will be reduced. TRAI says that this campaign will continue further, and in future the number blocking process will be further intensified through AI and machine learning.