Government cracks down on pesky calls, SMSes, financial fraud; to set up online complaints platform

Mumbai: The government is setting up a redressal mechanism through which mobile phone users facing harassment through pesky calls and messages and succumbing to financial fraud can lodge complaints in real time either through an SMS, or by using an app or through website, as part of a crackdown on erring telemarketers and individuals.

“The government will set aside Rs20-25 crore initially to set up the system…once the complaint comes in, the government can levy not just financial penalties, but also block the SIM card and also the device itself,” a senior official told ET.

The government has also decided to set up a nodal agency – Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU) – which will coordinate with teams across Department of Telecommunications, telcos and financial institutions in investigating any fraudulent activity involving telecom resources.