DoT Flags 6.80 Lakh Mobile Connections for Re-Verification Due to Suspected Fraudulent KYC

By mandating the re-verification process, the DoT seeks to safeguard against identity fraud, enhancing the overall security and trust in the telecommunications infrastructure.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has identified approximately 6.80 lakh mobile connections suspected to have been obtained using invalid, non-existent, or fake/forged Proof of Identity (PoI) and Proof of Address (PoA) KYC documents.

Key Highlights:

Identification of Suspected Fraudulent Connections:

• Utilizing advanced AI-driven analysis, the DoT has flagged around 6.80 lakh mobile connections as potentially fraudulent. The questionable validity of the PoI/PoA KYC documents indicates the use of fabricated documents to obtain these mobile connections.

Directive for Re-verification:

• The DoT has issued directives to Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to carry out immediate re-verification of these identified mobile numbers. All TSPs are mandated to re-verify the flagged connections within 60 days. Any connections that fail to complete the re-verification process within this period will be disconnected.

Collaborative Efforts Yield Results:

• The identification of these fraudulent connections highlights the success of collaborative efforts between various sectors and the effective use of AI technology. This demonstrates the efficiency of integrated digital platforms in combating identity fraud.

Commitment to Security:

• The DoT's initiative for re-verification aims to ensure the integrity of mobile connections and the security of digital transactions. This action underscores the DoT's commitment to creating a secure digital environment for all users.

By mandating the re-verification process, the DoT seeks to safeguard against identity fraud, enhancing the overall security and trust in the telecommunications infrastructure.