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TRAI Is Not Calling: How Scammers Impersonating Telecom Officials Are Fooling Even the Smartest Users

  • Writer: manoj klumar
    manoj klumar
  • 1 day ago
  • 3 min read

Introduction

In an era where spam calls and phishing texts are part of daily life, a new and dangerous trend has emerged—scammers are impersonating officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to extract money and sensitive information from unsuspecting citizens.

What makes this scam especially alarming is that it’s fooling even tech-savvy users, professionals, and senior executives. Disguised as "urgent regulatory calls" or "number verification warnings," these scams are leveraging fear, fake authority, and technical jargon to dupe people across India.


How the TRAI Scam Works

The scam typically starts with a call or WhatsApp message from a number pretending to be from TRAI, DoT, or a telecom operator. Victims are told that:

  • Their mobile number is involved in illegal activity such as fraud, cybercrime, or spam.

  • Multiple SIMs are registered under their Aadhaar without consent.

  • TRAI is about to block or suspend their number unless immediate action is taken.

  • They must “verify” their identity by providing sensitive data or downloading remote access apps (like AnyDesk or TeamViewer).

In some cases, victims are also threatened with police complaints, Aadhaar suspension, or legal consequences if they refuse to cooperate.


Real-Life Cases

A Pune-based software engineer recently lost over Rs 7.5 lakh after a caller, pretending to be a TRAI officer, convinced him to “secure” his number linked with fraudulent accounts. The engineer was manipulated into downloading a remote access app and sharing his OTPs.

In Delhi, a college professor was tricked into believing her number was tied to a cybercrime syndicate and ended up transferring Rs 50,000 for a so-called “clearance certificate.”

Such incidents are being reported across metro cities and small towns alike.


Why These Scams Are Effective

Scammers have evolved. Here’s why these calls are especially convincing:

  • Caller ID spoofing shows government agency names like “TRAI” or “DoT.”

  • The callers use perfectly rehearsed scripts, often speaking in fluent English or Hindi.

  • Victims are kept on call for long durations to induce pressure and confusion.

  • Many are made to believe that "non-cooperation" equals legal trouble.

In many cases, the fake officials even refer to real government websites, laws, or use names of actual TRAI officers to build trust.


TRAI's Official Stand

TRAI has repeatedly clarified that it never calls individuals for number verification, suspension, or financial inquiries. Official communication, if any, is sent through registered emails or via telecom operators, not through phone calls or messaging apps.

They’ve urged users to:

  • Report suspicious numbers to 1909 or on the TRAI DND portal.

  • Avoid clicking on unknown WhatsApp links or QR codes.

  • Never share Aadhaar, OTPs, or bank information over the phone.


Legal and Security Risks

Victims of such scams are not only at financial risk but also face:

  • Identity theft

  • SIM swapping

  • Unauthorized access to bank accounts or UPI apps

  • Exposure to cyber blackmail or ransomware

Police have registered cases under IPC sections 419 (Impersonation), 420 (Cheating), and IT Act sections related to identity misuse and unauthorized data access.


How to Protect Yourself

Always Remember:

  • TRAI does not call individuals regarding telecom issues.

  • No legitimate authority will ask for personal data or remote access apps over a call.

  • Use official websites to verify telecom or SIM status.

Immediate Steps:

  • If you get such a call, hang up immediately.

  • Do not click on WhatsApp links or download any files.

  • Report the number on the TRAI DND portal and cybercrime.gov.in.

  • Install and update anti-phishing protection apps on your devices.


Conclusion

As digital connectivity grows, so does the ingenuity of fraudsters. The fake TRAI scam is not just another spam call—it’s a calculated attempt to exploit fear and misuse authority. With even educated users falling prey, the only defense is awareness, skepticism, and quick reporting.

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