The Department of Telecom (DoT) has unveiled a new tool to distinguish between calls made by fraudsters and legitimate ones in the face of an increase in phone scams.
Read More: From HDFC To IDFC: 4 Important Credit Card Changes You Need To Know
The telecom department has set aside a specific 10-digit numbering series, beginning with 160, for calls made by financial institutions, government agencies, and regulators for services and transactions.
Calls from banks and government agencies should be displayed with the prefix 160
Financial institutions and telecom providers will be able to call a different 10-digit number for service and transaction-related calls issued by the DoT. In 1600ABCXXX format, the 10-digit number will be issued to government agencies, financial institutions, and telecom regulators with a 160 prefix.
The telecom circle code, such as 11 for Delhi or 22 for Mumbai, will be displayed by the AB. Conversely, the telecom operator’s code will be displayed by the digit at position C. The XXX will consist of the numbers 000–999.
Financial institution numbers shall be issued in the 1601ABCXXX format.
Similarly, the 10-digit number will be issued in the 1601ABCXXX format for financial entities governed by the RBI, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA).
Read More: How to change mobile number for your Aadhaar online: A step-by-step guide
Reportedly, an office memorandum claims that the Department of Transportation (DoT) designed the 10-digit number series so that citizens would be able to identify the calling entity, the telecom provider, and the location of the number’s origin.
“It has been decided to allocate a separate numbering series 160 exclusively for service and transactional voice calls as per Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulation (TCCCPR) 2018,” the official note said..
“The TSP (telecom service provider) shall ensure adequate verification of each and every entity before assigning a number from 160 series, The TSP shall obtain an undertaking from the seeking entity that it will use the number assigned from 160 series exclusively for service and transactional voice calls as per TCCCPR 2018,” the note said.
As the government battles the threat of fraudulent calls in the nation, the DoT recently congratulated the watchful and aware citizens for reporting suspected fraud communications. Due to the proactive actions of individuals in this regard, the telecom department has responded to fraudulent mails purporting to be from representatives of insurance companies and Life Insurance Corporations of India (LIC) in order to obtain ‘SBI Rewards’.
Read More: IndiGo ‘super saver sale’ on international, domestic travel; fares start at Rs 1,199
“Vigilant and alert citizens are playing an indispensable role in preventing cybercrimes. Through their proactive reporting of suspected fraud communications via the Chakshu-Report Suspected Fraud Communications facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal, these alert citizens are contributing significantly to a safer digital environment,” the DoT note read.
