The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued an advisory cautioning the public about a rise in cyber frauds and financial scams involving misuse of TRAI’s name. These include impersonation of TRAI officials through calls, messages, forged documents, and fraudulent letterheads to threaten or mislead individuals and coerce them into sharing personal information or transferring money. Any such outreach allegedly in the name of TRAI is unauthorised and not associated with TRAI.
A prominent example is the so-called digital arrest scam, where callers impersonate TRAI or law enforcement officials and falsely accuse individuals of telecom or financial violations or criminal actions. Victims are manipulated through fake legal documents, forged identities, and threats of arrest or account freezing, and are coerced to transfer money under the pretext of bail, fines, or verification.
Additionally, TRAI reiterates that it does not initiate communication with customers regarding mobile number disconnection through messages or otherwise. TRAI has also not authorised any third-party agency to contact customers for such purposes. No regulatory body conducts investigations or collects payments through phone calls, messaging apps, or video platforms.
Similarly, other frauds misusing TRAI’s identity include:
- SIM deactivation threats
- Mobile tower installation offers
- Forged letters or emails
