Fake TRAI calls: Here are dos and don’ts issued by Telangana police to prevent extortion

Hyderabad: A growing trend of cyber fraudsters impersonating officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to extort innocent victims has sent shock waves across Telangana.

These fraudsters employ sophisticated tactics to create a sense of urgency and fear, coercing victims into transferring large sums of money.

Modus Operandi of the Fraudsters

Fraudsters contact victims via mobile numbers with a recorded message, falsely claiming to be from TRAI.

The message warns that the victim’s mobile number will be blocked within two hours.

The caller, impersonating a TRAI official, provides the victim’s name and phone number, asserting that their Aadhaar details have been misused for anti-national activities and harassment.

The caller then alleges that a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against the victim by police authorities in cities such as Mumbai or Hyderabad, and provides a fake FIR number.

Victims are instructed to press 9, leading to a video call via Skype. During the video call, an individual dressed as a police officer reads the FIR details and demands a large sum of money to prevent a "digital arrest," thereby extorting significant amounts from the victim.

Advisory to Citizens

Mahesh M Bhagwat, Additional DGP Railways & Road Safety, and I/C Director Telangana State Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) have issued an advisory to alert citizens about this scam. The key points of the advisory are:

1. Avoid Answering Unknown Numbers: Do not pick up calls from unfamiliar numbers.

2. Be Skeptical of Claims Involving Aadhaar or Mobile Misuse: Do not trust callers who claim your Aadhaar or mobile number has been compromised and used in criminal activities.

3. Resist Extortion Attempts: Do not yield to monetary or other demands made under the threat of arrest.

4. Document the Incident: Record calls from fraudsters and take screenshots for evidence.

5. Report to Authorities: Immediately report any such incidents to the cybercrime police by dialing 1930 or logging onto [www.cybercrime.gov.in](http://www.cybercrime.gov.in).

Official Statement

“Since last more than 2 months, this fraud in the name of recorded calls generated from TRAI has targeted many citizens. Fraudsters inform victims, mostly women, that their Aadhaar card has been compromised and used to commit crimes. They then blackmail the victims into transferring huge sums of money," said Mahesh M Bhagwat IPS.

“Awareness and vigilance are critical in combating this rising trend of cyber fraud. By following the advisory issued by the Telangana State Cyber Security Bureau and reporting any suspicious activity, citizens can protect themselves from falling victim to these scams” Bhagwat added.