TRAI Warns Public of Fraudulent Calls Threatening Disconnection, Calls Them “Illegal”
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued a stern warning against fraudulent calls falsely claiming to be from their organization, cautioning the public about potential threats of mobile number disconnection. Terming such calls as “illegal,” TRAI emphasized that it does not engage in blocking or disconnecting individual mobile numbers of telecom customers. The regulator highlighted that any call or message purportedly from TRAI threatening disconnection should be considered potentially fraudulent.
In an official statement, TRAI highlighted instances where companies, agencies, or individuals misrepresented themselves as TRAI representatives, coercing the public by asserting that their mobile numbers would be disconnected for purportedly sending unsolicited messages. These fraudulent entities also misled customers by falsely alleging the misuse of Aadhaar numbers to obtain SIM cards linked to illegal activities. Furthermore, they attempted to deceive individuals into engaging in Skype video calls to allegedly prevent mobile number disconnection.
TRAI unequivocally clarified that it neither initiates disconnection calls nor authorizes any agency to conduct such activities. Stressing the illegitimacy of these actions, TRAI asserted that any communication claiming to be from their entity should be treated with suspicion. The regulatory body urged affected individuals to directly address concerns with their respective service providers through customer service center channels or report such fraudulent activities on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal cybercrime.gov.in or by dialing the Cyber Crime Helpline Number 1930.
Under the Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulation (TCCCPR) 2018, TRAI emphasized the responsibility of Access Service Providers to take appropriate measures against mobile numbers involved in sending unsolicited communications. As TRAI intensifies its efforts to combat fraudulent practices, it urges the public to remain vigilant and take necessary action through legitimate channels when encountering such deceptive calls or messages.
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