Don’t Panic, It’s a Prank! TRAI Debunks Viral ‘Disconnection’ Scam Calls

Image Source: ProPakistani

India's government, through the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and PIB Fact Check, issued a national alert of a reported increase in threatening calls and disconnection messages of mobile numbers within two hours. The threats are being issued to unwitting citizens with the aim of forcing them to reveal sensitive personal or financial information under the threat of official action.

Key Highlights

Scam Calls & Messages: Thieves are posing as TRAI or DoT officials, informing you that your number will be cut off because of "abnormal usage" or "illegal activity" and asking you to act immediately, like pressing a digit or attending a video call.

TRAI & DoT Clarification: Both the organizations have categorically stated that they never make calls to consumers themselves to request deactivation of the service, or ask for any third party to do so. All such calls, messages, or notices should be considered spams.

Sophisticated Techniques: Frauds employ spoofed or international phone numbers, auto-dialed pre-recorded IVR calls, and even fake video calls with persons impersonating police, CBI, or judiciary to frighten victims. Some of these frauds have led to heavy monetary losses, for instance, where victims have lost lakhs of rupees.

Red Flags to Watch:

Suspicious or international call numbers
Direct threats of isolation or legal action
OTP requests, banking details, Aadhaar, or opening unidentified links
Ineffective presentation or poor grammar in messages

What to Do

DO NOT provide any personal or financial information
Hang up immediately if you receive the call
Verify any information with your own official telecom service provider
Report the offence at the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) or call 1930
Report suspicious telecom activity on DoT's Sanchar Saathi platform

Official Disconnection Process: Your telecom service provider (and not TRAI or DoT) can disconnect your number independently, and due to legitimate reasons like bill or KYC-related issues. They will never ask for sensitive information from you using unsolicited calls or messages.

Stay Safe, Stay Alert

The authorities emphasize that caution and awareness are the best defense against these scams. Don't let fear or panic make you divulge information or pay money. In doubt, always check with your service provider through proper channels.

"TRAI doesn't make the request for disconnection of mobile number. Any such request is a #fraudulent request." — PIB Fact Check

Source: Times Now News, PIB, DoT, India Today, LatestLY, NewsPoint