2 hrs ago

India Disconnects 82 Lakh Fraudulent Mobile Connections Using ASTR

India has used a computer tool called ASTR to find and disconnect more than 82 lakh fraudulent mobile connections.

Communications minister Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said phone and online scams are becoming more sophisticated.

These scams can use fake identities, cloned voices and deepfakes.

He said Indians lost more than Rs 22,800 crore to fraud in 2024.

India’s efforts include blocking fake international calls and letting people report suspected fraud through Sanchar Saathi.

Government agencies, banks and phone companies also share information through a digital platform.

The minister said a risk indicator helped prevent suspected losses of more than Rs 5,000 crore over 15 months.

He urged countries to work together and develop shared ways to verify callers.

Key facts

Connections disconnected: More than 82 lakh fraudulent mobile connections, according to the minister.
Fraud losses in 2024: Indians lost more than Rs 22,800 crore to fraud, the minister said.
Sanchar Saathi downloads: Around 25 million.
Digital Intelligence Platform: Connects more than 1,600 organisations, including telecom service providers, banks and law-enforcement agencies.
Financial Fraud Risk Indicator: Helped avert suspected losses exceeding Rs 5,000 crore over the past 15 months, according to the minister.
India’s approach: Five layers: blocking spoofed international calls, identifying suspicious connections, citizen participation, intelligence sharing and targeted action against emerging fraud channels.
Event: ITU roundtable on implementing standards to combat fraudulent communications, held alongside the India Mobile Congress 2026.

thehansindia.com · 2 hrs ago