By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, FEB 16, 2021: THE Telecom Ministry will set up a nodal agency to investigate fraudulent telemarketing activities and take action against them, directed Communication and IT Minister Mr Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday.

At a high level to address the rising concern and irritation of consumers over unsolicited messages and calls on mobile phones, repeated harassment through SMS, and fraudulent loan schemes, the minister directed officials to take strict action against erring telemarketers and individuals.

Mr Prasad further observed that telecom resources are also being used to carry out financial frauds and "dupe the common man of his hard-earned money."

"Clear directions were issued to the officials to take strict and tangible action to stop such activities immediately," a statement said.

For effective handling of Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC) and also for financial frauds using telecom resources, the panel decided to develop a web and mobile application and SMS-based system for consumer redressal.

Since time is of the essence in financial fraud cases, a nodal agency, named the Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU), will be set up to coordinate with various law enforcement agencies, financial institutions and telecom service providers in investigating any fraudulent activity involving telecom resources.

At license service area level, a Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection (TAFCOP) system will also be created.

"The above system will strengthen the trust of people in the digital ecosystem and will make financial digital transactions primarily through mobile more secure and reliable, which will result in promotion of Digital India," the statement said.

Officials pointed out that even subscribers registered in Do-Not Disturb (DND) service continue to receive commercial communication from Registered Tele-Marketers (RTMs) and Unregistered Tele-Marketers (UTMs).

Mr Prasad directed the officials of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to conduct a meeting with telecom operators and telemarketers to apprise them of the seriousness of the issue and to ensure compliance with laid down rules and procedures in this regard.

In case of any violation, a financial penalty was proposed against the telemarketers, including disconnection of resources in case of repetitive violations.

He also called for special strategies, including blocking of telecom operations, due to rising concern in Jamtara, Jharkhand and Mewat, Haryana for curbing fraudulent telecom activities, the ministry said.