Breaking update: Starting April 15, Indian government will change how mobile phones route calls to combat fraud

For smartphone users across India, get ready as the way call forwarding functions on your Android or iPhone device is going to change. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is taking action against fraud and cyber crimes committed through mobile phones. As part of the program, telcos have been instructed to stop using USSD codes (such as *401#) to activate call forwarding features. The directive takes effect on April 15, 2024, until further notice.

Key Points of DoT Ban

according to a Order On March 28, DoT found that USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) based call forwarding, specifically the *401# service for unconditional call forwarding, was being misused for undesirable activities.

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The order stated, “In this regard, the competent authority has decided that all licensees shall cease existing USSD-based call forwarding services with effect from April 15, 2024 until further notice.” All USSD-based call forwarding services that have been activated Existing users of may be asked to reactivate call forwarding services through alternative methods to ensure that such services are not activated without notice. “

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What exactly is USSD-based call forwarding and how to access it?

USSD codes are short codes that mobile users enter on their devices to access various services, such as checking their balance or getting their phone’s IMEI number. Despite their convenience, the Department of Transportation discovered vulnerabilities in these codes that could be exploited for fraudulent activity and cellphone-related crimes.

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Impact on phone users

For users accustomed to using USSD codes for call forwarding, change is imminent. After April 15, they will need to use alternative methods to reactivate these services. Telcos are tasked with providing these alternative ways of managing call forwarding. The goal behind this shift is to strengthen security measures and prevent unauthorized call transfers, which could lead to the theft of sensitive information such as one-time passwords (OTPs) used in online transactions.