52 lakh SIMs disconnected: DoT announces new rules for selling SIM cards

The Department of Telecom (DoT) has announced new rules for the sale of SIM cards. These rules come after reports of widespread telecom frauds including fraudulent phone calls as well as messages. In fact, there have also been reports of over thousands SIM cards being issued using name and identity proof of a single person.

The rising cases of fraud has also led to a massive crackdown by the government. According to telecom minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the government blocked 66,000 fraudulent WhatsApp accounts, blacklisted 67,000 SIM card dealers, registered 300 FIRs against fraudsters and deactivated 52 lakh phone connections. Besides, “about 8 lakh bank wallet accounts used by fraudsters have been frozen.