New Delhi: The Union government on Tuesday issued a warning to citizens about a cyber fraud involving fake notices sent in the name of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, which falsely claim that a user’s SIM card will be blocked.
PIB Issues Fact Check
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has called these notices fake and advised people to be cautious. The fake notices ask customers to contact a “KYC Verification Executive” and share their personal information.
The notice reads:
“Dear Customer, Your SIM KYC has been suspended… Your SIM card will be blocked within 24 hours. Call immediately.”
PIB clarified that no such notice has been issued by BSNL and that people should not share their banking or personal information with anyone.
Rising Cybercrime Cases
Meanwhile, the Home Ministry informed the Lok Sabha that cybercrime cases are steadily increasing in the country. According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data:
52,974 cases in 2021
65,893 cases in 2022
86,420 cases registered in 2023
Government Measures and Investigation Facilities
The government has provided assistance of ₹116.5 crore to states and union territories under the ‘Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC)’ scheme.
Cyber forensic labs have been established in 33 states/union territories across the country. In addition, 7 Central Forensic Science Labs (CFSLs) and 27 state-level labs are assisting in cybercrime investigations.
The government said that new digital forensic facilities have also been started in Pune, Bhopal and Kamrup since 2014, which has further strengthened cyber crime investigations.