What is Catfishing Fraud?

Catfishing fraud is a deceptive practice where an individual creates a fake identity, often online or over the phone, to manipulate or exploit another person. This type of fraud is commonly used to gain trust, extract sensitive information, or even financial benefits from unsuspecting victims. Such fraudulent activities have become increasingly prevalent, with scammers using various tactics to target individuals across India.

In the digital age, where communication is often virtual.

If you suspect that you have received a fraudulent call, it is essential to act promptly. Reporting such incidents can help prevent further scams and protect others from falling victim. In India, the process to report fraud calls is straightforward and supported by various government and telecom initiatives.

To report fraud calls:

1. Note down details of the call: Record the phone number, time, and any specific details about the conversation.
2. Do not share personal information: Avoid disclosing sensitive information like OTPs, bank account details, or Aadhaar numbers during suspicious calls.
3. Report to your telecom operator: Contact your mobile service provider to report the fraudulent number. Most operators have toll-free numbers or online portals for complaints.
4. File a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: Visit cybercrime.gov.in to lodge an official complaint. Provide all relevant details to help authorities investigate.
5. Contact the police: If the fraud involves financial loss or sensitive personal data, report the incident to your nearest police station or cybercrime cell.

By reporting fraudulent calls, you can contribute to curbing such activities and protecting others from becoming victims.

Steps to report a fraudulent call

If you have been targeted by a fraudulent call, follow these steps to report it effectively:

1. Do not panic: Stay calm and avoid engaging with the caller. Disconnect the call immediately if you suspect any malicious intent.
2. Verify the caller’s identity: If the caller claims to represent a company or financial institution, contact the organisation directly using official contact details to verify their authenticity.
3. Collect evidence: Save the caller’s number, call logs, and any messages or emails received from the scammer.
4. Report to your telecom operator:
   • Send an SMS to 1909 to report spam or fraud calls. Include the caller’s number and a brief description of the incident.
   • Alternatively, use your telecom provider’s app or website to lodge a complaint.
5. File a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal:
   • Visit cybercrime.gov.in and register as a user.
   • Select the appropriate category (e.g., financial fraud or phishing) and provide all details, including the caller’s number, time of the call, and any financial loss incurred.
6. Inform your bank or financial institution: If the scam involves financial fraud, notify your bank immediately to freeze your account or block any unauthorised transactions.
7. Lodge a police complaint: Visit your local police station or contact the cybercrime cell in your area. Provide all evidence, including call recordings, chat transcripts, or transaction details.

Taking these steps ensures that the scam is documented, and authorities are alerted to take necessary action.

Identifying and blocking scam calls is a proactive way to protect yourself from potential fraud. Here are some tools and practices to help you recognise and prevent such calls:

1. Truecaller: This popular app identifies unknown callers and flags potential spam or scam numbers based on community reports.
2. Google Phone App: Available on Android devices, this app provides spam detection features and allows you to block suspicious numbers.
3. Do Not Disturb (DND) services:
   • Activate DND services by sending an SMS to 1909 or registering through your telecom operator’s website.
   • This helps reduce unsolicited calls and messages from telemarketers.
4. Caller ID features: Many smartphones come with built-in caller ID functions to identify unknown numbers.
5. Avoid answering unknown numbers: If you receive a call from an unrecognised number, let it go to voicemail. Genuine callers will leave a message.
6. Stay updated on scam trends: Regularly check news or government websites for information about the latest scams and how to avoid them.
7. Use call-blocking apps: Download apps like Hiya or Call Blocker to block and filter unwanted calls automatically.

By leveraging these tools and practices, you can minimise the risk of falling victim to scam calls.

Legal actions after reporting fraudulent calls

After reporting a fraudulent call, you may wonder about the legal options available to you. In India, several laws and enforcement mechanisms are in place to address phone fraud and protect victims.

1. Filing an FIR: If you have suffered financial loss or identity theft, file a First Information Report (FIR) at your local police station. Provide all evidence to support your case.
2. Cybercrime investigation: The cybercrime cell will investigate the complaint, track down the scammer, and take appropriate legal action.
3. Banking Ombudsman Scheme: If the fraud involves a financial transaction and you are unsatisfied with your bank’s response, you can escalate the matter to the Banking Ombudsman.
4. Legal recourse: Victims of phone scams can file a case under the Information Technology Act, 2000 or the Indian Penal Code. Sections 66D (cheating by impersonation using a computer resource) and 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) are commonly applied in such cases.
5. Cyber Appellate Tribunal: If you are not satisfied with the resolution provided by the cybercrime cell, you can approach the Cyber Appellate Tribunal for further redressal.

Taking legal action not only helps you recover any losses but also ensures that scammers are held accountable.

Role of financial institutions in combating phone fraud

Financial institutions play a crucial role in preventing and addressing phone fraud. Here is how they contribute:

1. Customer education: Banks and NBFCs regularly educate customers about potential scams and how to identify them.
2. Fraud detection systems: Advanced fraud monitoring systems are used to detect and block suspicious transactions.
3. Hotlines for fraud reporting: Many financial institutions provide dedicated helplines or online portals for customers to report suspicious activities.
4. Immediate action on complaints: Upon receiving a fraud report, banks can freeze accounts, block cards, and reverse unauthorised transactions to protect customers.
5. Collaboration with authorities: Financial institutions work closely with law enforcement agencies and cybercrime cells to track and prosecute scammers.

By partnering with financial institutions, you can stay informed and safeguard your financial assets.

Preventive measures to avoid phone scams

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some practical steps you can take to avoid falling victim to phone scams:

1. Do not share personal information: Never disclose sensitive details like OTPs, bank account numbers, or Aadhaar details over the phone.
2. Verify caller authenticity: Always verify the identity of callers claiming to represent banks, government agencies, or other organisations.
3. Beware of urgent requests: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making hasty decisions. Stay calm and think before acting.
4. Avoid clicking on suspicious links: Do not click on links sent via SMS or email unless you are sure of the sender’s identity.
5. Register for DND services: Activate DND services to reduce unsolicited calls and messages.
6. Use call-blocking apps: Install apps like Truecaller or Hiya to identify and block scam calls.
7. Educate yourself and others: Stay informed about the latest scams and share this information with friends and family to create awareness.

By adopting these measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of being targeted by phone scammers.