Your phone keeps buzzing with OTPs and service messages for actions you did not request. As the messages pop up, it can become harder to spot important alerts or notice calls you may have missed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This sudden flood of messages is known as SMS bombing<\/strong> or SMS bombarding<\/strong>. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) warns that it may be used to distract you and hide important alerts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This guide explains how to recognise SMS bombing, protect your number and report suspicious messages in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n SMS bombing is when a phone receives a large number of unwanted text messages within a short time. The messages may include OTPs or notifications from services. The sudden activity can make it difficult to notice a genuine alert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A message flood does not, by itself, confirm that someone has accessed your phone or an account. However, check important alerts carefully. DoT warns that SMS bombarding can be used to distract people and hide other messages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Look through the messages for bank, payment, account login or password reset alerts. If you find one you did not expect, open the service\u2019s official app or website directly. Do not use a link in an unexpected text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Never share an OTP, PIN, password or banking details with someone who calls or messages you. CERT-In advises users not to share OTPs or other sensitive information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you see an alert about an account you use, check it through the official app or website. Contact the service through its official support channel if you notice activity you do not recognise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can block or report unwanted conversations in your messaging app. In Google Messages, for example, select the conversation and choose Block<\/strong> and Report spam<\/strong>. This can help manage messages from that sender. A flood coming from several senders may need additional steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tell your telecom provider that you are receiving a large number of messages you did not request. Keep a note of when the messages started and which services or senders appear in them. This information can help when you report the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DoT advises people to report suspicious SMS through Sanchar Saathi<\/a>. Its Chakshu facility is for reporting suspected fraud communication and unsolicited commercial communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Is SMS Bombing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Should You Do If You Receive Too Many Messages?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Check for important alerts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Keep your OTP and account details private<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Use your messaging app\u2019s spam controls<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Contact your mobile operator<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Where Can You Report SMS Bombing in India?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Report suspicious or fraudulent messages to Sanchar Saathi<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Use 1930 if you have lost money to cyber fraud<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n