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TRAI warns public against scam calls misusing its name and authority
MUMBAI: Dial M for Misuse: TRAI sounds alarm over scamsters impersonating its name. If you’ve recently received a call threatening “digital arrest” over telecom violations, don’t panic just hang up. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a stern advisory warning the public against a spate of frauds misusing its name to scare, swindle, and scam.
From SIM deactivation threats to bogus mobile tower offers, the fraudsters’ bag of tricks is as diverse as it is devious. The latest wave includes impersonators posing as TRAI or law enforcement officials, accusing victims of alleged telecom or financial offences. Victims are shown forged legal notices or fake identity documents and are often pressured into transferring money under the pretext of bail or verification fees.
TRAI has clarified that it does not send messages threatening mobile number disconnection, nor does it authorise any third-party to do so. It certainly does not carry out investigations or collect payments through phone calls, Whatsapp, or video conferencing.
Among the common scams flagged:
. Digital Arrest: Calls threatening legal action or arrest unless payment is made
. SIM Deactivation: Fake alerts over KYC issues asking for urgent user verification
. Tower Installation Scams: Offers promising high rent for tower installation in exchange for upfront fees, falsely backed by forged TRAI approvals
. Fake Letters and Emails: Scammers use doctored TRAI letterheads or logos to push fraudulent investment or compliance schemes
TRAI has reiterated its role as an independent regulator, created under the TRAI Act of 1997, with no involvement in individual consumer disputes or investigations. It neither seeks Aadhaar, OTPs, nor banking credentials—and certainly doesn’t threaten arrests.
The regulator has urged citizens, especially senior citizens and digitally less-savvy users, to stay alert. In case of suspicious communication:
. Disconnect immediately
. Never share personal or financial information
. Do not transfer money
. Verify via official government websites or helplines
. Report incidents at www.cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930
. Use the Chakshu feature on the Sanchar Saathi portal or the TRAI DND app to flag scam calls
As digital scams become more sophisticated, TRAI’s message is clear: stay sceptical, stay safe.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
