Investigating agencies in western Uttar Pradesh are probing a sophisticated cyber fraud method in which international calls are allegedly disguised as local Indian mobile numbers.

According to preliminary findings, cybercriminals are using private Voice over Internet Protocol systems and illegal SIM box devices to route overseas calls through domestic mobile numbers.

The method makes international calls appear local on a victim’s phone, increasing the likelihood that the person will answer and trust the caller.

Complaints Reported Across Western Uttar Pradesh

Officials said complaints involving suspicious calls have been received from:

• Baghpat
• Meerut
• Saharanpur
• Other areas of western Uttar Pradesh

Similar incidents have reportedly surfaced in other parts of the country.

Investigators are attempting to identify the call-routing infrastructure, devices and organised networks allegedly operating behind these communications.

Illegal SIM Boxes Used to Mask Call Origin

Preliminary investigations suggest that fraudsters may be using:

• Private VoIP gateways
• Illegal SIM box devices
• Fake call centres
• Multiple Indian SIM cards
• Overseas internet calling networks

A SIM box can route internet-based international calls through Indian SIM cards, causing the recipient’s phone to display a local mobile number instead of the real foreign origin.

This makes it difficult for victims to recognise that the call may be connected to an overseas fraud network.

Technique Linked to Multiple Cyber Scams

Investigators believe disguised calls may be used in:

• Digital arrest scams
• Fake KYC verification calls
• Bank impersonation fraud
• Government official impersonation
• Investment scams
• Customer care fraud
• OTP and banking credential theft

Fraudsters allegedly exploit the local-looking number to establish trust before pressuring victims to share sensitive information or transfer money.

DoT and Police Intensify Joint Investigation

Senior officials from the Department of Telecommunications held a high-level meeting with police authorities in western Uttar Pradesh.

Police units have reportedly been directed to maintain separate records for:

• Telecom department communications
• Suspicious call complaints
• Fraud-related emails
• Technical alerts
• VoIP and SIM box intelligence

The objective is to ensure that each complaint is examined quickly and relevant technical evidence is preserved.

Operation Cyber Vajra Results

Under Operation Cyber Vajra, authorities across the Meerut Range reportedly took action on cybercrime complaints over a five-day period.

According to officials:

• 435 complaints were resolved.
• 77 criminal cases were registered.
• 65 accused persons were arrested.

Investigators are examining digital devices, call records, IP logs and financial transactions linked to suspected cybercrime networks.

Telecom Security Measures Strengthened

The government has introduced a mobile number validation framework under the Telecommunications Cyber Security (Amendment) Rules, 2025 for financial and digital service providers.

Authorities are also using the Sanchar Saathi platform to help citizens:

• Verify mobile connections issued in their names
• Block lost or stolen handsets
• Report suspicious calls and messages
• Check potentially fraudulent telecom activity
• Report fake KYC and impersonation calls through Chakshu

Second-hand mobile phone dealers are also required to verify IMEI numbers against blacklisted databases before completing sales.

Caller ID Alone Cannot Be Trusted

A local-looking phone number does not guarantee that the caller is physically located in India or connected with a genuine institution.

Citizens should independently verify any caller claiming to represent:

• A bank
• Police
• CBI or ED
• RBI
• Telecom company
• Government department
• Investment platform

No OTP, PIN, password or banking credential should be shared merely because the displayed number appears local.

How to Respond to Suspicious Calls

People receiving suspicious calls should:

• Disconnect immediately.
• Contact the institution through its official number.
• Avoid clicking links sent during the call.
• Never install APK files or screen-sharing apps.
• Preserve call details and screenshots.
• Report suspected fraud through 1930.
• Use the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or Chakshu facility.

Prompt reporting can help authorities trace calls and freeze fraudulent transactions.

Investigation Continues

Investigators are analysing:

• VoIP infrastructure
• SIM box locations
• Telecom routing logs
• IP addresses
• Mobile devices
• Bank accounts
• Digital communication records

Further action may be taken if links to additional states, foreign networks or organised cybercrime groups emerge.

Shunyatax Global Insight

Shunyatax Global says that caller ID should be treated only as display information, not proof of identity. Businesses and individuals should adopt independent call-back verification, approved contact lists and dual confirmation before acting on any financial instruction received by phone.

Financial institutions should also use behavioural analytics, number validation and transaction-risk controls to identify cases where a fraudulent call is followed by an unusual high-value payment.