The Centre has issued a warning to everyone about a new scam. Scammers are making fake calls, pretending to be officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). These fraudsters often tell people that their mobile numbers will soon be blocked unless they share personal information.
TRAI Issues Warning
TRAI revealed that they have received reports about many pre-recorded calls claiming to be from their office. TRAI clarified that it never contacts customers regarding mobile number disconnection through calls or messages.
“TRAI has also not given permission to any third-party agency to reach out to customers for such reasons. So, any call, message, or notice saying it’s from TRAI and threatening to disconnect your mobile number should be considered a scam,” it warned.
How to Report Fraudulent Calls
The government urged people to use the Chakshu facility on the Department of Telecommunications’ Sanchar Saathi platform to report any suspected fraud. “If you think you have been a victim of cybercrime, report it immediately to the cybercrime helpline number ‘1930’ or through the official website,” said TRAI.
Disconnections Are Done by Telecom Providers Only
The government also reminded citizens that the disconnection of mobile numbers due to billing, Know Your Customer (KYC) issues, or misuse, is managed only by the respective telecom service provider (TSP). People are encouraged to remain cautious and avoid panicking.
TRAI suggested that people should verify such calls by contacting the authorised customer service centers of their TSP.
New Measures to Curb Scams
Meanwhile, TRAI has instructed telecom service providers to adopt strong measures to stop the misuse of messaging services. Starting from September 1, these guidelines come into effect. The telecom authority has mandated them to shift telemarketing calls starting with the 140 series to the online distributed ledger technology (DLT) platform by September 30, for better monitoring and control.
Stay Vigilant and Report Suspicious Activity
It is crucial for everyone to stay alert and report any suspicious calls or messages. Remember, TRAI will not threaten to disconnect your number or ask for personal information over the phone or via text messages. Always double-check with your telecom provider if you receive any such calls.
Stay safe and do not fall victim to these fraudulent schemes. Make sure to inform your friends and family about this scam to help spread awareness and keep everyone protected.