📷 Image Credits: The Hindu
In a significant move to tackle fraudulent practices in mobile number porting, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced amendments to the existing rules, which will be enforced starting July 1, 2024. The new regulations mandate a seven-day waiting period after a SIM swap or replacement for a mobile number to be eligible for porting purposes. This decision comes as a measure to combat the rising incidents of fraud carried out through SIM swaps and bogus replacements.
The amendment, known as the Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability (Ninth Amendment) Regulations, was issued by TRAI on March 14, 2024, with the aim of curbing unauthorized porting of mobile numbers by malicious entities. The revised waiting period of seven days has replaced the previous 10-day period, in response to feedback from stakeholders who believed that a shorter wait duration would be more appropriate to balance fraud prevention and user convenience.
Fraudulent SIM swap scams typically involve fraudsters obtaining personal details through phishing tactics, followed by posing as the victim to request a new SIM card from the mobile operator. Once the number is ported to the fake SIM, scammers can exploit it to access sensitive information and carry out unauthorized transactions, leading to financial losses for the victims.
To address these security concerns, TRAI’s new guidelines ensure that a Unique Porting Code (UPC) will not be allocated if the request is made within seven days of a SIM swap. By adopting this preventive measure, TRAI aims to safeguard subscribers from falling prey to sophisticated fraudulent schemes, thereby enhancing the overall integrity of the mobile number porting process.
Overall, these regulatory changes mark a proactive step towards safeguarding consumer interests and promoting transparency and security in the telecommunications sector. As the industry evolves and digital threats proliferate, it is crucial for regulatory bodies like TRAI to stay ahead of the curve and implement robust measures to protect users from potential risks. With the new rules coming into effect, both mobile operators and subscribers must adhere to the revised guidelines to ensure a safe and secure porting process in the digital age.
