The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has alerted mobile users to report fraudulent calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages from third-party agencies falsely claiming to represent TRAI and threatening to disconnect services.
TRAI’s Statement
On Thursday, TRAI clarified that it “does not initiate communications regarding mobile number disconnection through messages or official notices.”
TRAI also stated it has “not authorized any third-party agency to contact customers for such purposes.”
TRAI emphasized that any communication claiming to be from TRAI and threatening mobile disconnection should be viewed as a potential scam, encouraging citizens to report such communications through the telecom department’s Chakshu facility on its Sanchar Saathi platform.
Details of Fraudulent Communications
The regulator observed that fraudsters mimic official TRAI notices, falsely accusing recipients of illegal activities. These scams threaten service termination or mobile number disconnection if recipients don’t comply.
Additionally, the press release highlighted the risk of malware installation or phishing attempts, compromising personal data.
Reporting Cybercrime
TRAI urges individuals encountering or falling victim to fraud to report it. Victims of cybercrime can contact the designated helpline at 1930 or visit the official cybercrime website.
Additional information and reporting can be done via the Sanchar Saathi platform. They emphasize that these measures aim to prevent telecom resource misuse for cybercrime and financial fraud.