TRAI scam calls and SMS messages claiming to be from senior government officials is reportedly increasing. The perpetrators, who are sending WhatsApp messages, SMSs and also using voice calls to fool citizens, are utilizing forged notices, designed to resemble official communication from senior officers of TRAI.
“The TRAI does not initiate communication regarding mobile number disconnection through messages or official notices. It has not authorized any third-party agency to contact customers for such purposes. Therefore, any form of communication (call, message, or notice) claiming to be from TRAI and threatening mobile number disconnection should be considered a potential fraudulent attempt,” said a message from the Indian Government warning citizens of the scam.
How the TRAI Scam Calls and SMS Work
A user on Reddit sharing his experience highlighted that the modus operandi involves a series of steps designed to instill fear and urgency, compelling victims to transfer substantial sums of money under the guise of verification. The way the TRAI scam works is as follows:
Phase 1: Initial Contact – Victims receive an SMS purportedly from TRAI, warning that all their phone numbers will be blocked within two hours unless they call a specific number, typically originating from western Uttar Pradesh. In an alternate version, an automated voice call informs the recipient of the impending disconnection of their phone numbers, prompting them to press 9 for more information.
Phase 2: Escalation – Should the victim comply and press 9, they are connected to a real person who manipulates the situation further. The fraudster introduces a convoluted narrative involving Aadhaar numbers, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), money laundering accusations, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and even the Ministry of External Affairs. The scammers exploit the victim’s fear of serious legal repercussions, such as visa or passport cancellations.
Phase 3: Financial Exploitation – The core of the scam is the demand for money. The fraudsters claim that to resolve the fabricated issues, the victim must transfer a significant portion, often 50-60%, of their liquid assets into specific bank accounts for “verification” purposes. They assure the victim that the funds will be returned once the verification is complete.
To add a veneer of legitimacy, the scam may involve references to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), local police (notably from Uttar Pradesh), and officials from various governmental bodies. In some instances, the fraudsters may even use voice calls or WhatsApp video calls to impersonate these authorities, further pressuring the victim.
“These notices falsely allege illegal activity associated with the recipient’s mobile number and pressure them into contacting law enforcement or face service termination. Citizens are also threatened that mobile numbers will be disconnected if they don’t respond. At times, Malicious actors may further attempt to trick individuals into installing malware or clicking on phishing links,” the Indian Government has added.
What Citizens Must to If Targeted by TRAI Scam
TRAI has encouraged citizens to report these scam calls and SMS messages to Sanchar Saathi platform. On the Sanchar Saathi platform, Chakshu will serve as a backend repository for citizen-initiated petitions so that different stakeholders can take appropriate action.
Also read: Indian Citizens Targeted in Scam Calls, Government Takes Action
For confirmed instances of cybercrime, victims should report the incident at the designated cybercrime helpline number ‘1930’ or through the official website.
