TRAI warns of fraudulent calls threatening mobile disconnection
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has alerted consumers about fraudsters posing as officials, using calls and messages to threaten mobile disconnection and extort money, urging vigilance against these scams.
Scam alert issued by TRAI
Recent media reports have spotlighted a surge in fraudulent calls and messages targeting consumers, with imposters claiming to be TRAI officials. These scammers threaten mobile disconnection, citing alleged illegal activities, to extract money. TRAI clarified on April 7, 2025, that it does not contact customers about disconnections and has not authorized any third party to do so, labeling such communications as potential fraud.
TSPs handle disconnections, not TRAI
TRAI emphasized that only Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) manage mobile number disconnections due to billing, KYC issues, or misuse. Consumers should ignore and verify any disconnection threats by contacting their TSP’s authorized call centers or customer service, avoiding panic-induced responses to these deceitful tactics.
Protecting against cyber fraud
To curb telecom misuse in cybercrimes and financial fraud, TRAI urged citizens to report suspicious calls or messages via the Chakshu facility on the Sanchar Saathi platform (sancharsaathi.gov.in/sfc/). For confirmed cybercrimes, victims should dial the helpline ‘1930’ or file complaints at cybercrime.gov.in/, bolstering efforts to combat digital scams.
