Govt to set up Digital Intelligence Unit to probe financial frauds

Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad gave the abovesaid directions to officials while chairing a high-level meeting to make digital transactions secure, reliable and trustworthy.

The Minister also directed officials to take strict action to stop harassment of telecom subscribers.

A web/ mobile application and SMS based system will also be developed for effective handling of Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC) and also financial frauds being done through misuse of telecom resources.

Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection (TAFCOP) system will be created at the License Service Area level.

"In the meeting, the Minister of Communication directed the officials to take strict action against erring telemarketers and individuals involved in harassment of telecom subscribers. The method of harassment includes unsolicited commercial messages or calls. Further, the Minster observed that telecom resources are also being used to carry out financial frauds and dupe the common man of his hard-earned money."

"Clear directions were issued to the officials to take strict and tangible action to stop such activities immediately," a statement said on Monday

Prasad directed the officials of DoT to conduct a meeting with Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and Tele-Marketers to apprise them of the seriousness of the issue and to ensure the compliance of laid down rules and procedures in this regard.

In case of any violation, it was proposed to impose Financial penalty against the tele-marketers including disconnection of resources in case of repetitive violations.

The Minister also directed to devise special strategies including blocking of telecom operations due to rising concern in Jamtara and Mewat region for curbing of fraudulent activities involving usage of telecom resources.