Online Cyber Fraudsters Cheating Victims in the Name of TRAI: Advisory to Citizens

Hyderabad, May 22, 2024 — Recently, numerous complaints have been received regarding cyber fraudsters who are impersonating the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and creating a digital arrest scenario to extort money from innocent victims.

Modus Operandi of Cyber Fraudsters:

1. Initial Contact: Victims receive a call from a mobile number with a recorded message claiming to be from TRAI, warning that their mobile number will be blocked within two hours.
2. Impersonation: The caller provides the victim’s name and phone number, impersonating TRAI officials.
3. False Accusations: Victims are falsely informed that their mobile number or Aadhaar number is being used for anti-national fraudulent activities and harassment texts. The caller claims that an FIR is registered against the victim with Mumbai Police or Hyderabad Police, sharing a fake FIR number.
4. Video Call Intimidation: The fraudsters instruct the victim to dial 9 and then connect them via a video call on Skype. During the call, a person in a fake police uniform reads out the FIR details, including the address of the complaint.
5. Extortion: To avoid arrest, the victim is coerced into transferring large sums of money online. The fraudsters create a sense of urgency and fear, resulting in the extortion of lakhs of rupees.

Advisory to Citizens:

For the past two months, there has been a surge in fraud cases involving recorded calls claiming to be from TRAI. Victims, often women, are falsely informed that their Aadhaar card and phone number have been compromised and used in criminal activities, leading to demands for large sums of money. Sometimes, fraudsters also take undertakings from victims, making them believe they have committed a crime.

Citizens are advised to:

1. Avoid Unknown Calls: Do not pick up calls from unknown numbers.
2. Do Not Trust Fraudsters: Do not believe claims about your Aadhaar card or mobile number being compromised or misused in crimes.
3. Refuse Demands: Do not comply with monetary or other demands made under threats of arrest.
4. Document Evidence: Record calls and take screenshots if possible.
5. Report Immediately: Contact the cyber crime police immediately. Dial 1930 or visit www.cybercrime.gov.in to lodge a complaint.