Matribhumi Samachar English
New Delhi. Tuesday, 26 May 2026
Imagine getting a call from an Indian number starting with +91. The voice on the other end claims to be a police officer, a telecom official, or a customs agent. They tell you your SIM card is about to be deactivated, or that a suspicious illegal package has been intercepted in your name. Naturally, panic sets in.
This is the exact psychological trap cybercriminals are using across India. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued an urgent public advisory warning citizens about advanced caller ID spoofing. Here is everything you need to know to protect your identity, your data, and your bank account.
What is Caller ID Spoofing?
Caller ID spoofing occurs when scammers mask their actual location and identity using advanced Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems. Even though the call originates from a digital server located outside of India, the software manipulates the telecom network into displaying a domestic +91 mobile number.
The goal is simple: to lower your guard. Most people instinctively ignore random international country codes, but seeing a local Indian format makes the call appear legitimate.
Common Scenarios Used by Fraudsters
Scammers rarely just ask for money right away. Instead, they engineer high-stress scenarios designed to force immediate action:
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The Authority Impersonation: Pretending to be from the DoT, CBI, or local police forces.
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The Parcel Traps: Claiming that a courier contains illegal substances and demanding “clearance fees” or personal identity verification.
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Utility Threats: Warning that your electricity, internet, or SIM card will be disconnected within the hour due to an unpaid bill.
During these high-pressure conversations, the ultimate objective is always data extraction. Scammers will try to trick you into revealing one-time passwords (OTPs), net banking credentials, ATM PINs, or sensitive government identification numbers like PAN cards or your central identities.
Technical Aspect: True International Routing
The Indian government has clarified a fundamental technical rule of international telecom routing: Genuine international calls cannot display a domestic +91 prefix unless the person calling is actively using a roaming Indian SIM card abroad.
If a caller claims to be speaking to you from an international branch, an embassy, or a foreign shipping hub, but their incoming caller ID displays a standard Indian number, the call is technically manipulated and should be treated as fraudulent.
How to Protect Yourself: Best Cyber Practices
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Verify Independently: If a bank or telecom provider calls with a problem, hang up. Look up the official customer care number from their verified website and call them back.
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Never Share Digital Keys: Legitimate agencies will never ask for your passwords, PINs, or temporary security OTPs over a phone call.
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Ignore Direct Urgency: If a caller refuses to let you hang up or pressures you to make a decision immediately without proof, it is a definitive red flag.
Action Plan: Reporting the Scam
If you encounter a suspicious spoofed call, do not simply block it. Reporting it helps authorities track the servers routing these calls into the country.
The DoT features a dedicated citizens’ grievance system known as Chakshu (चक्षु) hosted on the official portal.
Critical Emergency Step: Please note that the Chakshu platform is strictly for reporting suspected fraud attempts where no financial loss has occurred. If you have already lost funds to a cyber scammer, you must call the National Cyber Crime Helpline immediately at 1930 or log your complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.
For further reading on regional awareness and national news updates, visit the Matribhumi Samachar English Homepage.
