Steps to Report Against Fraud Calls in India

If you have received a suspicious call, it is important to act promptly. Fraudulent calls can lead to financial fraud, identity theft, and other serious consequences. Reporting these calls not only protects you but also helps authorities take action against scammers and prevent others from falling victim.

In India, the government and telecom authorities have established various mechanisms to address the growing menace of phone scams. From dedicated helpline numbers to online reporting portals, these platforms are designed to make the process of reporting fraud calls simple and effective. By following the steps below, you can contribute to curbing phone-related scams and protecting your financial security.

Steps to report a fraudulent call

Taking immediate action after receiving a fraud call can help prevent potential losses. Here are the steps you can follow to report a fraudulent call in India:

1. Do not engage with the caller: If you suspect a call is fraudulent, avoid sharing any personal or financial information. Stay calm and end the call politely.
2. Note down the caller's details: Write down the phone number, time of the call, and any specific details about the conversation. This information will be crucial when filing a report.
3. Report the call to your telecom service provider:
   • Send an SMS to 1909 to register a complaint. Mention the caller's phone number and the nature of the fraud.
   • Alternatively, you can contact your telecom operator's customer care service for assistance.
4. Report the fraud call to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal:
   • Visit the official website cybercrime.gov.in and register a complaint.
   • Provide all the necessary details, including the caller's number, the time of the call, and a description of the incident.
5. File a police complaint if necessary: If you have suffered financial loss or suspect a serious scam, visit your nearest police station to file a First Information Report (FIR). Carry all evidence, such as call logs, messages, or bank statements.
6. Contact your bank or financial institution: If the fraud call involved your bank account or financial transactions, immediately inform your bank to block your account or card, if necessary. This can prevent further misuse of your financial details.

By following these steps, you can take swift action to report and mitigate the impact of fraudulent calls.

Tools to identify and block scam calls

Identifying and blocking scam calls is a proactive way to protect yourself. Below are some tools and practices that can help you detect and block fraudulent calls:

1. Caller ID apps: Use caller identification apps such as Truecaller, Hiya, or CallApp to identify unknown numbers. These apps often provide information about the caller and flag potential scam numbers.
2. Do Not Disturb (DND) service: Register for the DND service to block promotional and spam calls. You can activate DND by sending an SMS to 1909 or through your telecom provider's app or website.
3. Spam filters on smartphones: Most smartphones come with built-in spam filters that can automatically block suspected spam calls. Enable these filters in your phone's settings.
4. Regularly update contact lists: Keep your contact list updated to avoid confusion with unknown numbers. This makes it easier to identify legitimate calls.
5. Check for red flags: Be cautious of callers who ask for personal or financial information, claim you have won a lottery, or threaten legal action. These are common tactics used by scammers.
6. Enable call blocking features: Most smartphones allow you to block specific numbers. Use this feature to prevent repeat calls from suspicious numbers.

By using these tools and practices, you can significantly reduce the chances of falling victim to phone scams.

If you have reported a fraudulent call, you may wonder what legal actions can be taken. Here are the steps that follow:

1. Investigation by authorities: Once you report the fraud call to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or the police, an investigation will be initiated. The authorities will track the caller and gather evidence.
2. Legal proceedings: If the investigation confirms fraudulent activity, the perpetrators may face legal action under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act, 2000.
3. Compensation claims: If you have suffered financial losses due to the fraud, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Court or Banking Ombudsman to seek compensation.
4. Awareness campaigns: Authorities may use your case to spread awareness and educate the public about similar scams, preventing others from being victimised.

Taking legal action not only helps you seek justice but also contributes to the broader fight against phone fraud in India.

Financial institutions play a critical role in protecting customers from phone scams. Here is how they contribute to combating fraud:

1. Raising awareness: Banks and financial institutions regularly conduct awareness campaigns to educate customers about phone scams and how to avoid them.
2. Fraud detection systems: Advanced fraud detection systems are implemented to monitor suspicious activities in customer accounts. These systems can detect unusual transactions and alert customers immediately.
3. Customer support: Financial institutions provide dedicated customer support for reporting fraud. They guide customers on the necessary steps to secure their accounts and prevent further losses.
4. Collaboration with authorities: Banks work closely with law enforcement agencies to track and prosecute fraudsters. They also share information about scam trends to enhance prevention efforts.

By leveraging their resources and expertise, financial institutions play a vital role in safeguarding customers from the risks of phone fraud.

Preventive measures to avoid phone scams

Preventing phone scams starts with being vigilant and adopting safe practices. Here are some preventive measures you can take:

1. Do not share personal information: Avoid sharing sensitive details such as your Aadhaar number, PAN, or bank account information over the phone.
2. Verify the caller’s identity: If you receive a call claiming to be from a bank or government agency, verify the caller’s identity by contacting the official customer care number.
3. Be cautious of unsolicited offers: Scammers often use offers like loans, prizes, or investments to lure victims. Verify the authenticity of such offers before engaging.
4. Enable two-factor authentication: Secure your online accounts with two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorised access.
5. Regularly update passwords: Change your account passwords periodically and use strong, unique passwords.
6. Stay informed: Keep yourself updated about common phone scams and share this information with family and friends.
7. Report suspicious calls: If you receive a suspicious call, report it immediately to your telecom provider or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

By following these measures, you can minimise the risk of falling victim to phone scams and protect your personal and financial information.