The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has blacklisted more than one lakh fake SMS templates. The telecom department has taken this decisive step in view of the new rules on fake messages and unsolicited communications by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) last October. Mobile users are also requested to report any suspicious SMS on the Centre's Sanchar Sathi portal.
The details of the action against these SMS templates have been shared by the Department of Telecom on their official X handle. In a recent post, the Department of Telecom warned mobile users. Customers are informed that no legitimate bank or government agency will request your personal information through SMS. If you receive such a message, report it immediately to the Sanchar Sathi portal.
The Department of Telecom also shared a screenshot of an SBI Bank fake SMS to explain where users should be careful. Notably, to curb the rising incidence of fraud, both the telecom regulator and the Department of Telecom have issued new guidelines. Telecom operators are now mandated to block such contacts at the network level.
Also, all telemarketing companies are asked to register on a white list to ensure that they are sending their SMS to users without any issues at all. Rules for message traceability have been implemented by TRAI. Moreover, recently, TRAI imposed hefty fines of crores of rupees on telecom operators for failing to prevent fake calls. Meanwhile, the total penalty collected is Rs 142 crore.
