In view of the increasing cyber crimes and misuse of fake mobile connections in the country, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has announced strict action. The department has made it clear that if a fake or suspicious SIM card is found in the name of any person, then the responsibility will be fixed on that person. This warning of DoT has come at a time when cases like bank fraud, online fraud and identity theft using fake SIMs are increasing across the country.
According to the Department of Telecommunications, during recent operations in various states, a large number of mobile numbers have been found which were activated on the basis of false documents, or whose actual user was completely unaware of their name. The department says that in many cases, criminals misuse the identity of ordinary citizens and get SIMs issued in their name and then use the same in fraudulent or criminal activities. In this situation, the name of the person first comes before the investigating agencies on whose documents the SIM was purchased.
DoT has now appealed to all the consumers to immediately check all the mobile numbers operating in their name. For this, the government has provided a special facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal and app, where any person can see the list of all the mobile numbers linked to his Aadhaar. If the information of any number seems suspicious or is not known to the consumer, then it is necessary to immediately report it and get it blocked. This step is not only important for the protection of the consumer, but it will also help in avoiding any further legal troubles.
The department has also warned that if a fake SIM is found activated by a person’s Aadhaar number and a complaint is not filed in time, then legal action can be taken against that person for wrongful activity. This includes punishment ranging from fine to jail. Telecom service providers have also been instructed not to show any negligence in the document verification process and report suspicious cases immediately.
The Central Government believes that strengthening digital security is the need of the hour, as the mobile number is now directly linked to banking, government services, OTP based transactions and many important platforms. In such a situation, any kind of misuse of identity can put common citizens at serious risk.
DoT’s campaign is set to gain momentum in the coming weeks, with extensive testing of old connections as well. Experts say that timely vigilance by citizens can play a big role in dealing with this problem. So if there is a suspicious SIM running in your name, it is wise to take immediate action.
Also read:
This common kitchen spice is a treasure trove of Vitamin B12, include it in your diet like this.
Comments are closed.