New Delhi: Simply blocking phone numbers on mobile devices will not stop spam calls, and subscribers should instead report them through the TRAI DND app, the telecom regulator said on Monday, PTI reported.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) said it has disconnected and blacklisted more than 21 lakh mobile numbers and around one lakh entities involved in sending spam and fraudulent messages based on subscribers' complaints registered on the DND app.
"The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued an advisory, urging citizens to report spam calls/SMS through the TRAI DND app, highlighting that simply blocking numbers on personal devices does not stop spam at the source," the statement said.
The regulator said that action taken by it based on complaints received on the app demonstrates that collective reporting by users plays a crucial role in curbing telecom misuse nationwide.
"This large-scale action was made possible because citizens reported spam through the official TRAI DND app. When a user reports a spam call or SMS on the TRAI DND App, it allows TRAI and telecom service providers to trace, verify, and permanently disconnect the mobile numbers. In contrast, blocking a number on a phone only hides it on your personal device- it does not prevent the scammer from contacting others using new numbers," the statement said.
According to The Times of India, TRAI advised users to download the TRAI DND App from official stores and report spam SMS/calls using the app. It advised not to share personal or banking details via calls, messages, or social media, and to immediately disconnect from threatening or suspicious calls. It wanted users to report cyber fraud to the National Cybercrime Helpline (1930) or the official government portal. According to the agency, users can use Sanchar Saathi's "Chakshu" feature to report attempted fraud involving the misuse of telecom resources.