Beware of Fraudulent Calls Impersonating TRAI: Authorities Warn Consumers.
New Delhi:
In recent weeks, several media reports have highlighted alarming cases where consumers are being targeted by fraudsters posing as officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). These scammers are reportedly making fraudulent telephonic calls or sending messages, claiming that the consumer’s mobile connection is at risk of being disconnected due to alleged involvement in illegal activities. Additionally, the scammers demand money to prevent disconnection, preying on the consumer’s fear and urgency.
In response to these incidents, the TRAI has issued a clear warning to the public. The telecom regulator clarified that it does not initiate any communication with customers regarding mobile number disconnections, whether through calls, messages, or any other means. Furthermore, TRAI has stated that it has not authorized any third-party agencies to make such contact on its behalf.
Consumers are urged to remain cautious of any communication—be it a call, text, or notice—that claims to be from TRAI and threatens mobile number disconnection. Such messages should be considered potential fraud attempts and must be ignored.
TRAI emphasized that any mobile number disconnections related to billing issues, KYC (Know Your Customer) non-compliance, or misuse are handled directly by the respective Telecom Service Providers (TSPs). Therefore, consumers should verify any claims related to their mobile connection through the official customer service channels of their TSP.
To combat the rising threat of telecom fraud, the TRAI urges citizens to report any suspected fraudulent communications via the Chakshu facility available on the Sanchar Saathi platform at https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/sfc/. For cases involving cybercrime or confirmed instances of fraud, victims are advised to report the issue promptly by calling the Cybercrime Helpline at 1930 or submitting a report through the official cybercrime portal at https://cybercrime.gov.in/.
As these fraudulent schemes continue to deceive unsuspecting consumers, it is crucial for the public to stay vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited communications threatening mobile disconnections.
