Cybercrime Complaints Cross 19 Lakh in 2024; 97% Drop in Spoofed Calls Post New Measures
Introduction
Cybercrime is evolving rapidly, targeting unsuspecting individuals and businesses alike. In 2024, India witnessed an alarming surge in cybercrime complaints, with over 19.18 lakh cases reported on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), leading to financial losses amounting to Rs. 22,811.95 crore. However, thanks to stringent countermeasures by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), a 97% drop in spoofed calls has been achieved post the implementation of new security measures. This case study explores how government interventions and telecom security enhancements have reshaped India’s cyber defense landscape.
Case Study: Combating Telecom Fraud & Cyber Scams
Background
The rise in digital transactions and online connectivity has also given cybercriminals new avenues to exploit. One of the most pressing concerns in 2024 was the significant increase in spoofed international calls, where fraudsters impersonated legitimate Indian mobile numbers to carry out scams. These calls often aimed at extracting sensitive information, executing phishing scams, or spreading misinformation.
Government Intervention & Impact
To address this crisis, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in collaboration with telecom service providers (TSPs), launched an advanced system to detect and block international spoofed calls. This system, commissioned on October 17, 2024, successfully blocked 1.35 crore fraudulent calls within the first 24 hours of operation. As of March 3, 2024, the number of such blocked calls had drastically reduced to just 4 lakh, reflecting a 97% decline in incoming spoofed calls.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) intensified its cybersecurity measures by strengthening the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and promoting the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) to empower law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in tackling cyber fraud effectively.
Legal Implications & Cyber Laws in India
1. Key Cybercrime Laws Enforced
Several legal provisions were instrumental in combating cyber fraud and telecom scams:
Section 66D of the IT Act, 2000 – Punishes cheating by personation using communication devices.
Section 66C of the IT Act – Covers identity theft and fraudulent impersonation.
Section 419 of the IPC – Penalizes cheating by impersonation.
Section 420 of the IPC – Deals with fraud and dishonesty in financial transactions.
2. Role of Telecom Companies in Preventing Cybercrime
Under the new cybersecurity guidelines, telecom service providers (TSPs) are required to:
Implement Caller ID Authentication to verify the origin of incoming international calls.
Strengthen AI-driven fraud detection systems to flag suspicious activity in real time.
Report identified fraudulent numbers to the DoT’s Sanchar Saathi portal for immediate blacklisting.
Cyber Awareness & Prevention Strategies
With cybercrime on the rise, awareness and proactive measures are essential to safeguard individuals and businesses. Here’s how users can protect themselves:
Never share OTPs, banking credentials, or personal details over calls.
Verify the authenticity of calls from banks, government agencies, or unknown numbers.
Report cyber fraud on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) at cybercrime.gov.in.
Enable call screening and spam call filtering on smartphones.
Stay updated on the latest cybercrime tactics and trends.
Conclusion: Strengthening India's Cybersecurity Framework
The massive reduction in spoofed calls and proactive cybercrime reporting indicate a strong stance by Indian authorities against digital fraud. The collaborative efforts between MHA, DoT, and telecom service providers have set a benchmark in preventing cyber scams and protecting citizens. While government action plays a crucial role, cyber awareness, responsible online behavior, and robust cybersecurity practices remain the key to ensuring a safer digital space for all.
By understanding cyber laws and staying vigilant, individuals can contribute to making the internet a safer place. Stay informed with TheLawSection.com for more updates on legal policies and cybercrime awareness.