The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India flagged a rising wave of cyber frauds and financial scams exploiting its name to dupe citizens in a public advisory issued on Wednesday.
The regulator warned that fraudsters are impersonating TRAI officials through phone calls, messages, forged letters and fake legal notices to mislead individuals into sharing personal data or transferring money.
A particularly alarming trend flagged by TRAI is the so-called "digital arrest" scam, where callers pretend to be TRAI or law enforcement officers and falsely accuse people of criminal or telecom violations. Victims are bullied with threats of arrest or account freezing and pressured into paying "fines" or "verification fees" using fake legal documents.
TRAI clarified that it never contacts consumers regarding mobile number disconnection through calls or messages and has not authorised any agency to do so. The regulator also does not conduct investigations, collect payments or send arrest warnings via digital platforms.
Other common scams flagged in the advisory include:
SIM Deactivation Threats: Messages claiming your mobile number will be disconnected due to KYC lapses unless you act immediately.
Mobile Tower Installation Offers: Fraudsters lure victims with high rental income promises in exchange for registration fees, often using forged TRAI approvals.
Fake Letters And Emails: Circulation of counterfeit documents bearing TRAI's logo to legitimise illegal demands, investment offers, or compliance threats.
Citizens have been urged to hang up immediately on suspicious or threatening calls. They have also been urged to refrain from sharing Aadhaar, OTP, bank or personal information on calls or video platforms and transferring money based on unsolicited messages or threats. TRAI especially appealed to senior citizens and digitally less-experienced users to remain cautious.
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