According to the latest data from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, India has witnessed a sharp and continuous rise in spam calls and unwanted communication activities.
Over the past three years, complaints related to spam calls have surged by 128%, highlighting that despite artificial intelligence-based monitoring systems and stricter regulations, the problem continues to grow and remains a major concern for consumers.
The data shows that around 1.362 million complaints were recorded in 2023. This number rose to 1.938 million in 2024 and further jumped to 3.109 million in 2025. This steady upward trend has exposed growing weaknesses in the digital communication ecosystem, even as India rapidly expands its digital services and online financial systems.
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Fraud Calls Use New Tricks
Experts note that with the growth of digital transactions and online platforms, the misuse of automated marketing systems and fraudulent calling techniques has also increased significantly. Many companies are now using robotic calling and auto-dialer systems to run large-scale promotional campaigns, leading to a surge in unsolicited calls and messages.
These include fake loan offers, credit card promotions, lottery scams, and fraudulent investment schemes that often mislead users and sometimes cause financial losses. According to reports, more than 60% of mobile users in the country receive at least two to three spam calls or SMS messages daily, with some experiencing even higher volumes.
AI Blocks More Calls
One of the biggest challenges is that spam calls often appear to come from regular mobile numbers, making it difficult for users to identify them as fraudulent. As a result, many people unknowingly answer such calls and become targets of scams.
Currently, telecom operators and the government are using artificial intelligence and machine learning-based systems to detect suspicious numbers in real time. These systems attempt to identify and block spam calls even before they reach users. On average, around 750 million spam calls and messages are being blocked daily through these mechanisms.
Complaints and Action
In addition, strict regulatory measures introduced after May 2025 have further strengthened enforcement actions. So far, more than 227,000 mobile handsets have been blocked, and over 5.1 million enforcement actions have been taken. Thousands of SMS headers, templates, and WhatsApp accounts involved in spam activities have also been shut down.
To make the complaint process easier, users can report spam through SMS or call on 1909 and also register under the Do Not Disturb (DND) service. Under the updated rules, telecom operators are required to take action within seven days of receiving a complaint.
Cybercrime Networks Grow
The Ministry of Communications has further strengthened monitoring systems to curb digital fraud and spam networks. More advanced technological measures are expected in the coming months to enable real-time blocking of spam activities more effectively.
Meanwhile, cyber security expert and former IPS officer Professor Triveni Singh has raised serious concerns over the growing threat. He stated that spam calls have now become part of organized cybercrime networks. According to him, “Cybercriminals are constantly changing their methods, using virtual numbers and automated systems, which makes it difficult for traditional filtering systems to keep up. Until user awareness increases significantly, it will be extremely difficult to eliminate this problem completely.”
Experts also emphasize that spam networks are rapidly evolving, forcing telecom operators and regulators to continuously upgrade their systems. However, they warn that technology alone is not enough to solve the issue.
Users are strongly advised not to share sensitive information such as bank details, OTPs, or personal data with unknown callers under any circumstances.
Overall, despite strong technological interventions and regulatory efforts, the spam call crisis continues to escalate. The situation clearly shows that combating this issue requires not only advanced technology but also strong user awareness and robust cybersecurity enforcement measures.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
