“Dear user, this call is from Telecom Regulatory Authority of India to inform you that your mobile number is being suspended as illegal activity has been registered from your mobile number. To learn more details, press 9…”

These were the words from the call I received earlier from the number +977-422478388. Obviously this number is not from India. This is from Nepal. The tone of the caller was similar to government warning messages, such as during COVID-19 or recent awareness calls about digital arrest scams. However, this call was not from the official TRAI side. Actually, this was a scam call that many users have been receiving recently.

In fact, in the last few months, victims of such fraudulent calls have suffered considerable financial losses. For example, in a case reported by TOI in August 2024, a man in Hyderabad lost nearly Rs 11 lakh after receiving a call from someone posing as a TRAI official. In another case, a 25-year-old IIT-Bombay graduate lost Rs 7 lakh in a similar scam. But how are individuals losing money? No one should be in danger just by receiving a call, right?

Yes it is true. However, the tone and content of these calls are designed to mimic official government communications, leading the recipient to believe their authenticity and follow instructions. For example, the call I received asked me to press 9 for more details and to follow instructions if I wanted to prevent my number from being deactivated. According to reports, when individuals answer these calls, they are connected to scammers posing as CBI officers or other officials.

Once you press “9” and get connected to another “officer” the whole scam begins to unfold. The receiver is then put into “digital arrest”. In this so-called digital arrest, scammers instruct targeted individuals to remain on the video call and avoid sharing anything with family or friends. The victims are then forced to share sensitive information like ID proof and bank details, and in some cases, they are harassed to transfer funds under the pretext of engaging in money laundering.

To intimidate the victim, scammers are impersonating fake police, judges and even “Supreme Court Inspectors”. However, as soon as victims send money or share sensitive information like bank details, to clear their names from all allegations made against them, the fraudsters empty the bank accounts and block the victims from any further communication .

how to stay safe

For your safety it is highly advised not to fall prey to such calls. Remember, organizations like TRAI or police do not ask for personal or financial information over the phone. Additionally, be aware of the term digital arrest as there is no such legitimate term and if someone threatens you with it, hang up – it is a scam.

If you suspect a call may be legitimate, double-check the authenticity of the caller, especially if they are asking for sensitive information or urgent financial transactions. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making a quick decision.

Above all, never share your personal, banking or other sensitive information with unknown callers. If you suspect that you are being scammed, contact your local police or cyber crime unit immediately. Reporting such incidents can help protect you and others from falling victim to similar schemes.