How It Works
Scammers call or message pretending to be from TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) or your telecom provider, claiming your mobile number is being used for "illegal activity" and will be disconnected within hours unless you take immediate action — typically by sharing OTPs, downloading an app, or pressing a number on the call.
Real Example
An elderly woman in Chandigarh lost ₹2.5 crore after scammers impersonated TRAI and CBI officials, threatening to disconnect her phone number and linking it to a fabricated criminal case to extract money.
Red Flags 🚩
- Caller claims to be from TRAI threatening number disconnection
- Pressure to "press 1" or stay connected to "verify" your number
- Escalating threats involving CBI, police, or a criminal case
- Eventually demands money or banking details to "resolve" the issue
Protection Steps 🛡️
- TRAI does not call individuals about disconnecting numbers due to "illegal activity" tied to criminal cases.
- Disconnect and verify directly with your telecom provider through their official app or helpline.
- Never share OTPs or banking details over such calls.
- Report the number to the Chakshu portal (sancharsaathi.gov.in).