TRAI Issues Public Alert Against Rising Cyber Scams Misusing Its Identity

The Authority has clarified that none of these communications are authorised and urged citizens to treat any such outreach with immediate suspicion.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a strong advisory cautioning the public against a surge in cyber frauds and financial scams falsely conducted in its name. In a detailed alert released this week, the national telecom regulator highlighted multiple instances of impersonation involving fake calls, fraudulent messages, forged letterheads, and counterfeit documents that exploit TRAI’s name and authority to dupe unsuspecting individuals.

The Authority has clarified that none of these communications are authorised and urged citizens to treat any such outreach with immediate suspicion. TRAI emphasized that it does not initiate communication with consumers to warn of mobile number disconnection, arrest threats, or financial penalties through any mode of messaging, including SMS, WhatsApp, emails, or video calls.

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The ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam and Emerging Fraud Tactics

Among the most alarming schemes flagged by TRAI is the so-called ‘digital arrest’ scam. In this scam, fraudsters pose as TRAI or law enforcement officers and falsely accuse victims of criminal involvement in telecom or financial crimes.

Using forged legal documents, counterfeit ID cards, and threats of arrest or bank account freezing, the scammers create panic and coerce victims into transferring large sums of money under the pretext of bail payments, verification fees, or fine settlements. The process often involves impersonators conducting video calls in uniform, adding a further layer of deception.

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Other Fraud Techniques Misusing TRAI’s Name

The advisory outlined additional fraud patterns that have surfaced in recent months:

1. SIM Deactivation Threats

   • Victims receive calls or texts warning that their SIM will be deactivated due to incomplete KYC (Know Your Customer) records.

   • Scammers demand urgent action, often asking for Aadhaar, OTP, or banking information.

2. Fake Mobile Tower Installation Offers

   • Individuals are lured with promises of high rental income in return for permitting mobile tower installations on their property.

   • Victims are asked to pay upfront registration or processing fees, sometimes receiving forged TRAI approval letters to validate the scam.

3. Forged Letters and Emails

   • Emails and documents bearing the TRAI logo and forged signatures are used to legitimize fake investment offers, legal threats, or compliance notices.

   • These documents often cite non-existent government schemes or regulatory mandates.

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TRAI Clarifies Its Official Role and Boundaries

TRAI has taken the opportunity to clarify its institutional role, emphasizing that it is an independent statutory authority created under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997. Its role is to regulate the telecom and broadcasting industries, advise the government on policy, and monitor the quality of services provided by telecom operators.

TRAI does not:

• Conduct investigations or raids on individual customers

• Request sensitive details like Aadhaar numbers, OTPs, or bank account credentials

• Demand payments or fines via phone, messaging apps, or emails

• Threaten arrest or legal action against mobile users

These activities fall outside the Authority’s legal jurisdiction and are never initiated by TRAI under any circumstances.

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Public Advisory: How to Stay Safe

In light of these growing threats, TRAI has issued a citizen-centric advisory urging the public—especially senior citizens and those less familiar with digital systems—to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting themselves.

Recommended precautions include:

• Disconnect suspicious calls immediately, especially those using threatening language

• Do not share personal or financial details, including Aadhaar, bank details, or OTPs, on unsolicited calls or video chats

• Never transfer money in response to phone-based demands or verification requests

• Verify independently by visiting official websites such as www.trai.gov.in or using government helplines

• Report cybercrime incidents promptly to the National Cybercrime Helpline (1930) or via www.cybercrime.gov.in

• Use the “Chakshu” feature on the Sanchar Saathi portal or the TRAI DND app to flag suspicious numbers and fraud attempts

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Raising Awareness: A Shared Responsibility

TRAI is urging citizens to share this advisory widely, particularly with family members who may be more vulnerable, such as senior citizens or less digitally literate individuals. By increasing awareness and encouraging early reporting, these scams can be disrupted before victims suffer financial or emotional damage.

With the digital landscape evolving rapidly, scammers are adapting with sophisticated tactics that exploit fear, urgency, and the trust placed in public institutions. TRAI’s warning is a timely reminder that vigilance, verification, and responsible digital behaviour are the first lines of defense against cyber fraud.