Over 7.81 Lakh SIM Cards Blocked to Combat Digital Fraud

Law enforcement agencies in India have blocked over 7.81 lakh SIM cards linked to digital fraud as of February 28. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar shared that, alongside SIM cards, 2,08,469 IMEIs, 3,962 Skype IDs, and 83,668 WhatsApp accounts have also been blocked.

In a significant crackdown on digital fraud, Indian law enforcement agencies have blocked more than 7.81 lakh SIM cards until February 28, according to a statement given to the Lok Sabha. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar disclosed this information during a parliamentary session.

Alongside SIM cards, the government has also blocked 2,08,469 International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, a unique identifier for mobile phones, reported by police authorities. The Ministry of Home Affairs, operating through the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), has additionally taken proactive measures to block over 3,962 Skype IDs and 83,668 WhatsApp accounts used for fraudulent activities.

The establishment of the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System in 2021 has been instrumental in quick financial fraud reporting. Linked with a national cybercrime reporting portal, this system has reportedly saved around Rs 4,386 crore in financial fraud. A toll-free helpline, 1930, supports the public in lodging complaints, emphasizing a focused approach to handling digital crimes, particularly those against women and children.

(With inputs from agencies.)