Phone Disconnection Scam

Phone Disconnection Scam Claiming to Be from TRAI

Background

In August 2024, Mr. Anil Kumar, a 45-year-old businessman from Delhi, received a call from someone claiming to be an official from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The caller informed him that his mobile number was at risk of being disconnected due to its alleged involvement in illegal activities. The urgency and fear instilled by the caller led Mr. Kumar to take immediate action.

The Scam Unfolds

The caller, posing as a TRAI official, claimed that Mr. Kumar's mobile number was linked to fraudulent activities and would be disconnected within 24 hours unless he provided verification. To make the situation seem more legitimate, the fraudster routed the call to what they claimed was the "Delhi Police" via a conference call. The supposed police official confirmed the story and demanded that Mr. Kumar provide his Aadhaar number and bank details for verification.

Emotional Manipulation

Feeling the pressure and fearing legal repercussions, Mr. Kumar complied with the demands. He provided his personal information and was instructed to transfer ₹50,000 as a "security deposit" to prevent the disconnection. The scammers kept him on the phone the entire time, ensuring he didn't have a moment to think or verify the story.

Realization and Aftermath

After transferring the money, Mr. Kumar tried to contact TRAI directly to confirm the situation. He was shocked to learn that TRAI does not make such calls and that he had been scammed. Realizing the fraud, he immediately reported the incident to the Delhi Cyber Crime police. The police have since launched an investigation to trace the scammers.

This case study underscores the importance of vigilance and verification in preventing phone disconnection scams. Stay informed and protect yourself from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.

Ref.: 1. Scam Watch: Fake Calls From Telecom Dept Threaten Users With Mobile Number Disconnections - Newschecker

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