Sudha Murty files police complaint after scammer threatens to disconnect mobile services

Sudha Murthy

Rajya Sabha member and philanthropist Sudha Murty recently got a hoax call, which warned of disconnecting her mobile phone services for misuse while trying to extract “sensitive information”.

On September 5, Murty received a call at 9:40 am from a number that appeared as “Telecom Dept” when checked on the Truecaller app, Murty’s complaint, filed with the Bengaluru Cyber Police on September 20, said.

The caller, claiming to be an employee of the telecommunications ministry, said her mobile number was registered in January 2020 without being linked to her Aadhaar.

The caller also threatened that obscene videos were being broadcast or accessed from her number and warned that her connection would be disconnected by 12 pm.

Described as rude and using a fake identity, the individual attempted to extract personal information from Murty, the complaint said. She has sought legal action against the caller for the threats and attempts to obtain sensitive data.

Such calls have become increasingly common and the government as well as service-providers have been raising awareness about such calls, which can lead to loss of money through a few clicks or sharing of vital information.

There have also been growing instances of “digital arrests” with scammers intimidating and extorting money from victims by convincing them they are in virtual police or ED custody.