The rise of illegal SIM box exchanges has created a new wave of cybercrime across India. Fraudsters now use these devices to turn international calls into local ones. Consequently, your phone might display a familiar local number while the scammer sits thousands of miles away. Understanding how to block masked international calls is now a vital skill for every smartphone user.
The Commissionerate Police recently dismantled a massive China-linked network in Bhubaneswar. This raid proved that criminals are using advanced software to bypass official telecom gateways. However, you can protect yourself by following a few technical steps and maintaining a healthy dose of skepticism.
Spot the “International Call” Warning Label
In 2025, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) introduced a mandatory safety feature for all Indian telecom operators. Now, your phone must display an “International Call” tag for any call originating outside India. This remains true even if the caller ID shows a local (+91) number.
If you see this warning on a local number, do not answer it. Moreover, remember that no genuine government official or bank will ever contact you through an international gateway. Scammers use these masked lines to build false trust. Therefore, seeing this label is an immediate red flag that the caller is hiding their true location.
Use the Chakshu Portal and 1930 Helpline
The Indian government has launched the Sanchar Saathi platform to empower citizens against digital threats. Specifically, the Chakshu facility allows you to report suspected fraud in real-time. By reporting these numbers, you help authorities track the physical location of illegal SIM boxes.
Visit Sanchar Saathi: Go to the official website and navigate to the Chakshu section.
Report the Incident: Log details about “Digital Arrest” threats, fake KYC updates, or impersonation attempts.
Call 1930: If you accidentally share financial details, call the National Cybercrime Helpline immediately.
Acting within the “Golden Hour”—the first sixty minutes after a scam—is crucial. Additionally, notifying your bank can help freeze your funds before the criminals move the money to overseas accounts.
Debunking the “Digital Arrest” Myth
One of the most common tactics used during masked calls is the threat of a “Digital Arrest.” Fraudsters claim you are involved in a suspicious parcel or an illegal money-laundering case. They often demand that you stay on a video call for hours as part of an “investigation.”
Also Read : Bhubaneswar SIM Box Racket Busted: China-Linked Cyber Fraud Network Exposed
However, you must remember that “Digital Arrest” does not exist in Indian law. Legitimate police or customs officials will never conduct an investigation over a WhatsApp video call. Furthermore, they will never ask for a “security deposit” to clear your name. If a caller uses high-pressure tactics or threats, hang up the phone instantly.
Strengthen Your Smartphone Security Settings
Modern smartphones in 2026 offer robust AI-powered tools to filter out malicious callers. You should enable these features to create a digital barrier against automated scam bots and masked numbers.
For Android Users: Navigate to Phone App Settings and enable “Filter spam calls” under the Caller ID menu.
For iPhone Users: Go to Settings > Phone and toggle on “Silence Unknown Callers” to send unverified numbers to voicemail.
Verify Independently: If a caller claims to be from a government office, ask for their name. Then, hang up and call the official helpline listed on a verified .gov.in website.