TRAI Issues Public Advisory Against Rising Cyber Scams Misusing Its Name

New Delhi, August 7: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a strong advisory warning the public about a surge in cyber frauds and financial scams involving the misuse of TRAI’s name and identity. These fraudulent activities include impersonation of TRAI officials through calls, messages, forged documents, and fake letterheads used to deceive and extort money from individuals.

Emerging Scams Misusing TRAI’s Identity

One of the most alarming trends is the ‘digital arrest’ scam, in which scammers impersonate TRAI or law enforcement officers and falsely accuse victims of telecom or financial violations. Using fake legal documents and threats of arrest or asset seizure, fraudsters coerce victims into transferring money under the guise of bail, fines, or account verification.

Other common scams flagged by TRAI include:

• SIM Deactivation Threats: Messages falsely claiming mobile disconnection due to KYC issues.
• Mobile Tower Installation Offers: Fraudulent schemes offering high rental income in exchange for upfront fees, falsely claiming TRAI approval.
• Forged Letters and Emails: Fake documents using TRAI’s logo to demand payments or present bogus investment opportunities.

TRAI clarified that it does not initiate communications regarding mobile number disconnections or conduct any investigations against individuals. It has not authorized any third-party agency to act on its behalf, nor does it seek personal information like Aadhaar, bank details, or OTPs via calls or digital platforms.

TRAI’s Role and Public Advisory

As an independent statutory body under the TRAI Act of 1997, TRAI regulates telecom and broadcasting services, advises the government on policy, and monitors service quality. It has no mandate to collect payments, issue arrest threats, or conduct personal investigations.

TRAI has urged citizens to:

• Disconnect immediately from suspicious or threatening calls.
• Avoid sharing sensitive personal or financial information via phone or video calls.
• Never transfer money in response to unsolicited demands.
• Verify all claims through official websites or government helplines.
• Report scams to the National Cybercrime Helpline (1930) or visit www.cybercrime.gov.in.
• Flag suspicious numbers using the Chakshu feature on the Sanchar Saathi portal or TRAI DND app.

Special caution is advised for senior citizens and digitally less-experienced users, who are often the primary targets of such frauds.

TRAI emphasized the importance of early awareness and timely reporting to help curb the misuse of telecom resources and protect citizens from digital fraud.