Government Warns About Fake International Scam Calls Using +91 Numbers: DoT Issues Alert

Government warns users about fake international scam calls using +91 numbers amid rising frauds (Freepik)

DoT has warned Indian telecom users about fake international calls displaying +91 numbers as cyber fraud cases continue to rise.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a fresh advisory warning mobile users about a new wave of scam calls. Under this scam, calls falsely appear as “international” calls while displaying India’s +91 country code. The government has asked users to remain alert and avoid sharing personal or financial information over such calls.

According to the advisory posted by the Department of Telecommunications on ‘X’, genuine international calls always display the country code of the nation from where the call originates. The government has also clarified that if a call claims to be international but still shows the +91 prefix, it should immediately be reported. The warning comes at a time when there is a significant rise in telecom- related cyber frauds across the country.

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Fraudsters using caller-ID spoofing

The DoT said scammers are increasingly using caller ID spoofing techniques to manipulate the number visible on users’ phones. Cybercriminals often pretend to be telecom officials, police personnel, bank representatives, or customer support executives in an attempt to pressure people into revealing sensitive details like OTP’s, ATM PIN etc.

Got a call from +91 claiming it’s “international”?
That’s your first red flag.
+91 is India’s country code. Real international calls come with THEIR country code, not ours.

So next time you receive any such call, report it on Sanchar Saathi.
Download the app today!… pic.twitter.com/VHfEWnJAw3

— DoT India (@DoT_India) May 24, 2026

Authorities explained that these calls are designed to create panic among users. Victims are often threatened with SIM card deactivation, fake legal action, parcel delivery issues, or unpaid bills. In many cases, scammers try to obtain OTPs, passwords, banking information, or Aadhaar-related details.

 

Users asked not to share personal details

The telecom department has advised citizens not to respond to suspicious calls or click on unknown links shared during such conversations. Users have also been asked to avoid returning missed calls from unfamiliar international-looking numbers. Similar warnings were earlier issued by telecom firms and cybercrime agencies regarding premium-rate scams and fake telecom verification calls.

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The DoT further said that legitimate international calls cannot display India’s +91 code unless the caller is actually using an Indian mobile number. The department urged users to verify unknown callers independently before sharing any information.

Suspicious calls should be reported

To tackle the growing threat, the government has encouraged users to report suspicious calls and telecom fraud attempts through the Sanchar Saathi platform. Cybersecurity experts believe awareness remains one of the strongest tools against telecom fraud, especially as spoofing techniques become more sophisticated.