CNAP system to prevent cyber fraud

Most frauds in recent times are committed through phone calls from unknown numbers. The question of why attend a phone call from an unknown number is irrelevant. We do not necessarily have saved the name and number of the employee who brings the gas cylinder to the house and asks for the OTP number. Similarly, most people do not save the numbers of those who deliver the ordered groceries and food items. Therefore, no one can completely avoid attending to calls from unknown numbers, as they will be necessary. Many people are now using the international app 'True Caller' to find out who the unknown numbers belong to.

Not all numbers may be identifiable with 'True Caller'. Fraudsters use this flaw that numbers cannot be identified. Fraudsters also use calls from unrecognised numbers for virtual arrests. 'MDMA has been seized from a courier sent in your name, and a fake passport was found in the parcel. You are under virtual arrest as a case has been registered' will be the phone message from an unknown number. Even if we say that we have not sent any parcel to anyone, they will provide documents revealing our name, address and sender information on the Sky app, in addition to the identity cards of customs officials or Mumbai Crime Branch officials! Everything will be fake. Lakhs of rupees will be drained from the bank accounts of those who fall for their threats.

Many people in Kerala itself have lost lakhs and crores in such frauds. Although it has been stated many times that no investigative agency will make a virtual arrest, not a single day goes by without such frauds being repeated. The Supreme Court recently observed that a CBI inquiry is required into the occurrence of such virtual arrest frauds. Various types of cyber frauds have been committed under the guise of CBI officials itself! In this context, it can be assumed that the introduction of the new system by the Central Department of Telecommunications, which will immediately display the caller's information on the mobile phone screen, will go a long way in preventing such frauds. The system is called Calling Name Presentation (CNAP). The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has accepted the Department of Telecommunications' (DoT) recommendation to implement the service.

The database of telecom companies will be used for the 'CNAP' system. The name given at the time of taking the SIM will be displayed on the screen. The police will be able to find out the address and other details since it is linked to Aadhaar. The location of the call can be traced and investigated even if a fake Aadhaar is used. However, a person has the right to request that their identity not be disclosed while taking the SIM, keeping in mind their privacy. Individuals should also be careful not to pick up phone calls from people who do not disclose their identity. The Centre has instructed to start implementing this system within a week. Its service will be available across the country from March 2026. If this system can help prevent cyber fraud, it would be good for everyone to use its services.