The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a warning against a fraudulent scam involving the installation of mobile towers. Scammers are deceiving people into paying money under false pretenses and then disappearing. TRAI has clarified that neither they nor legitimate companies send such calls or messages. The public is advised to remain vigilant and not take any action without official verification.
TRAI Warning: If you're dreaming of earning a substantial income each month by installing mobile towers, be cautious. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a major alert, revealing that cybercriminals are targeting individuals, promising them lucrative deals to install mobile towers, causing them significant financial losses. TRAI has explicitly stated that it is not involved in any such commercial offers.
New Online Scam Targeting Mobile Tower Installation
The increasing accessibility of the internet and smartphones, while offering convenience, has also provided cybercriminals with new opportunities. A recent scam involves fraudsters enticing people with the prospect of installing mobile towers on their rooftops or vacant land.
In this fraudulent scheme, scammers pose as TRAI employees or representatives of major telecom companies, claiming that installing a mobile tower on one's property can generate monthly income of up to ₹25,000. In return, they demand personal information, advance fees, or registration charges.
TRAI Reveals Scam on Social Media
TRAI recently shared a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, showcasing a screenshot of a call. The caller identifies themselves as a TRAI employee and offers the recipient a monthly income of ₹25,000 for installing a mobile tower. At the end of the call, the scammer instructs the recipient to press '9' on their phone.
TRAI's post clearly states that the organization has no connection with such offers. TRAI does not contact individuals to install towers nor does it issue any NOC (No Objection Certificate). Such calls and messages are entirely fraudulent and should be avoided.
Scammer Tactics – How They Deceive
- Fake Calls and SMS: Scammers send calls or messages claiming that XYZ telecom company wants to install a mobile tower in your area.
- Attractive Offers: They promise substantial monthly income – ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 per month.
- Fake Websites and Documents: They often create fake websites and send fraudulent documents (NOC, registration forms) to deceive people.
- Registration Fees or Processing Charges: Once individuals show interest, they demand money for registration, document verification, or processing fees.
- Money Gone, Number Blocked: As soon as the payment is made, the number is switched off, and the scammer disappears.
TRAI's Warning – Precautions to Take
TRAI advises the public to take the following precautions to avoid this scam:
- TRAI does not contact individuals to install towers.
- No legitimate telecom company offers mobile tower installation through direct calls or messages.
- Do not trust calls or messages from unknown numbers.
- Verify the authenticity of any offer through the official website of the concerned company before making any payment.
- Immediately block fraudulent calls or SMS and report them to cybercrime.gov.in.
If You Receive Such a Call or Message, What to Do?
- Never make hasty decisions.
- Inform those around you about fraudulent offers.
- Use apps like Truecaller to identify unknown numbers.
- If you have already fallen victim to a scam, immediately report it to your nearest cybercrime police station.
- Share this information on social media or WhatsApp groups to alert others.
The Genuine Process for Mobile Tower Installation
If a legitimate company wants to install a mobile tower in your area, it will obtain permission from the local municipality or panchayat, sign a written contract, and follow all legal procedures. No upfront payments are ever requested, and the entire process is transparent.
Some legitimate tower companies such as Indus Towers, ATC India, and Bharti Infratel, operate legally. However, these companies never conduct such deals through calls or SMS.
The Need for Public Awareness
There's an urgent need for digital literacy among the general public. New scams emerge daily, and cybercriminals exploit people's lack of knowledge to cause financial harm. Therefore, if anyone receives an offer for mobile tower installation or any unusual proposition, verify its legitimacy before taking any action.
