trai-issues-alert-on-scam-calls-by-fake-officials

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the regulator of the telecommunications sector in India, has cautioned citizens against a surge in cyber frauds and financial scams carried out using forged identities, fake documents, and impersonation of TRAI officials.

 

Issuing a formal advisory, TRAI warned the public that several individuals have reported being targeted through fraudulent calls, deceptive messages, and counterfeit letterheads falsely bearing the regulator’s name. These attempts, it said, are neither authorised by nor associated with TRAI.

 

A particularly worrying pattern cited in the advisory is the rise of the so-called “digital arrest” scam, wherein victims are falsely accused of telecom or financial violations. Impersonators, posing as TRAI or law enforcement officials, then issue threats of arrest or bank account suspension unless immediate payments are made.

 

“TRAI reiterated that it does not initiate communication with customers regarding mobile number disconnection through messages or otherwise,” the advisory noted. “TRAI has also not authorised any third-party agency to contact customers for such purposes.”

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The regulator clarified that it neither investigates individuals nor requests personal information or banking details. “No regulatory body conducts investigations or collects payments through phone calls, messaging apps, or video platforms,” it stressed.

 

The advisory also highlighted other forms of fraud falsely carried out in TRAI’s name--including threats of SIM deactivation, bogus offers of mobile tower rentals, and forged demands for payment under fake documentation.

 

Citizens have been advised to exercise vigilance by disconnecting suspicious calls, refraining from sharing sensitive information, and verifying any messages through official channels.

 

TRAI urged the public to report suspected cyber frauds either by dialling 1930 or visiting www.cybercrime.gov.in website. Fraudulent numbers may also be reported via the Chakshu facility on Sanchar Saathi or the TRAI DND app.

 

The Ministry of Communications reiterated the regulator’s commitment to public safety and digital integrity, calling on all users to remain alert to attempts at deception and manipulation.