MUMBAI: Dial M for Misuse: TRAI sounds alarm over scamsters impersonating its name. If you’ve recently received a call threatening “digital arrest” over telecom violations, don’t panic just hang up. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a stern advisory warning the public against a spate of frauds misusing its name to scare, swindle, and scam.
From SIM deactivation threats to bogus mobile tower offers, the fraudsters’ bag of tricks is as diverse as it is devious. The latest wave includes impersonators posing as TRAI or law enforcement officials, accusing victims of alleged telecom or financial offences. Victims are shown forged legal notices or fake identity documents and are often pressured into transferring money under the pretext of bail or verification fees.
TRAI has clarified that it does not send messages threatening mobile number disconnection, nor does it authorise any third-party to do so. It certainly does not carry out investigations or collect payments through phone calls, Whatsapp, or video conferencing.
Among the common scams flagged:
. Digital Arrest: Calls threatening legal action or arrest unless payment is made
. SIM Deactivation: Fake alerts over KYC issues asking for urgent user verification
. Tower Installation Scams: Offers promising high rent for tower installation in exchange for upfront fees, falsely backed by forged TRAI approvals
. Fake Letters and Emails: Scammers use doctored TRAI letterheads or logos to push fraudulent investment or compliance schemes
TRAI has reiterated its role as an independent regulator, created under the TRAI Act of 1997, with no involvement in individual consumer disputes or investigations. It neither seeks Aadhaar, OTPs, nor banking credentials—and certainly doesn’t threaten arrests.
The regulator has urged citizens, especially senior citizens and digitally less-savvy users, to stay alert. In case of suspicious communication:
. Disconnect immediately
. Never share personal or financial information
. Do not transfer money
. Verify via official government websites or helplines
. Report incidents at www.cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930
. Use the Chakshu feature on the Sanchar Saathi portal or the TRAI DND app to flag scam calls
As digital scams become more sophisticated, TRAI’s message is clear: stay sceptical, stay safe.
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