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Desk: If you are troubled by the fear of frequent unnecessary calls and scams, then there is good news for you. Now there is no need to panic if you get a call from an unknown number. Soon the name of the caller will also appear along with his number on the mobile screen. Telecom regulator TRAI and Department of Telecommunications have taken this important step to stop fraud calls and digital scams across the country.

TRAI and DoT together have decided to implement this facility called Calling Name Presentation. In this, whenever a user receives a call, the name of that person will also appear on the screen along with the number. This name will be taken from the KYC data available with the telecom companies. This feature will be active by default, that is, every user will automatically get this facility. However, if a person does not want it then he can get it deactivated.

In February 2024, TRAI had suggested to DoT on CNAP service that this facility should be available only to those users who demand it themselves. But DoT suggested that it should be made available to everyone by default. Ultimately TRAI accepted the recommendation of DoT and now both the agencies have agreed on this decision. Its successful trial has also been done in Mumbai and Haryana circles last year.

This step has been taken to stop the increasing incidents of fraud calls, digital arrests and cyber crimes across the country. Before receiving the call, the user will know the identity of the caller, due to which fake calls can be identified immediately. This system will help in protecting users from scam calls, banking fraud and callers making false offers.

TRAI has clarified that the names of users who have taken Calling Line Identification Restriction (CLIR) facility will not be visible on the call screen. This facility is given to some special consumers, government intelligence agencies and important officials. Call centre, telecaller and bulk connection users will not get any exemption from this rule.

Spam calls often come from unknown numbers luring users with loans, credit cards or fake offers. Avoid picking up such calls and never share your personal information. If a caller pretends to be an official of a bank or government agency and asks for details, immediately disconnect the call and contact the official number of the concerned institution. Remember, an email or message is sent before any genuine organization asks for information.