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Govt Exposes Fake BSNL, TRAI SIM Block Notices in Cyber Fraud Alert

The Press Information Bureau has issued a fact-check warning citizens about fraudulent notices falsely claiming to be from BSNL or TRAI that threaten SIM card blockage. These fake messages instruct users to contact a "KYC Verification Executive" to share personal details, which scammers can use for digital arrest and fraud. The Union Home Ministry revealed that 86,420 cybercrime cases were registered in 2023, showing a rising trend. To combat this, the government has funded cyber forensic labs in 33 states and Union Territories under a specific scheme for women and children.

Key Points: Govt Fact-Checks Fake BSNL, TRAI SIM Block Notices

  • PIB declares BSNL/TRAI SIM block notices fake
  • Scammers seek personal info for 'digital arrest'
  • 86,420 cybercrime cases in 2023
  • Govt funded labs in 33 states/UTs for cyber forensics
2 min read

Govt issues factcheck on 'fake BSNL' notices sent by fraudsters to phone users

PIB warns against cyber fraud using fake BSNL/TRAI notices. Over 86,000 cybercrime cases in 2023. Do not share personal details.

"BSNL Corporate never sends any such notices. Do not share your personal and bank details with anyone. - PIB advisory"

New Delhi, March 17

The Union government, on Tuesday, cautioned citizens against a cyber fraud being perpetrated by scamsters using fake notices from "Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited" or "Telecom Regulatory Authority of India" that warn phone customers about possible SIM card blockage.

Issuing a factcheck to declare such notices from "BSNL" and "TRAI" as fake, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) advised citizens to exercise caution and not fall in the trap of scamsters, who might indulge in a fraud of digital arrest, by extracting key information from them.

In the fake notices being issued on notepads of BSNL, the "TRAI" informs a customer to contact a KYC Verification Executive and share contact details.

The message in the notice says, "Dear Customer, Your SIM KYC has been suspended by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. Your Sim card will be blocked within 24 hours. Call Immediately."

The PIB Factcheck informed citizens that BSNL has not issued any notice related to SIM KYC.

"BSNL Corporate never sends any such notices. Do not share your personal and bank details with anyone," said the PIB advisory issued along with the factcheck.

Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry told the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that as many as 86,420 cases of cybercrime were registered during 2023.

Citing data from 'Crime in India' published by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar said, in a written reply, that 65,893 cybercrime cases were registered in 2022 and 52,974 cases were registered in 2021.

The MoS said that the Ministry of Home Affairs has provided financial assistance of Rs 116.5 crore under the 'Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC)' Scheme, to the states/Union Territories (UTs) for setting up of cyber forensic-cum-training laboratories.

"As of now, cyber forensic-cum-training laboratories have been commissioned in 33 states/UTs, including Madhya Pradesh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, and Maharashtra," he added.

MoS Sanjay Kumar said that at present, seven Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) and 27 State Forensic Science Laboratories are operational across the country to assist in investigation of cybercrime cases.

"Of the seven CFSLs, prior to 2014, Digital Forensics facility was available in four CFSLs located in Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Kolkata. After 2014, three new CFSLs (including Digital Forensic Divisions) have been established at Pune, Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), and Kamrup (Assam)," he said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good that PIB is issuing these fact checks. But the real issue is how these fraudsters get our numbers and know we are BSNL customers? There must be a data leak somewhere. Telecom companies need to be held accountable for customer data security.
A
Aman W
86,420 cases in 2023! That's a shocking number and probably just the tip of the iceberg. Many people in small towns don't even report. Setting up more forensic labs is a step, but we need faster police response and simpler complaint portals.
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Sarah B
Working in IT security, I see these phishing attempts daily. The language in the fake notice is designed to create panic - "blocked within 24 hours." Always remember, no legitimate agency will ask for personal details over a call or message. Verify directly via official website or customer care.
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Vikram M
Respectfully, while the factcheck is helpful, it's reactive. The government needs a more proactive approach. Can't TRAI/BSNL send a mass SMS to all their customers warning them about this specific scam? A little initiative can prevent a lot of heartache and financial loss for common people.
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Karthik V
The part about "digital arrest" is terrifying. They scare you into thinking you've done something illegal and then extort money. Please educate your family, especially those living alone. Never share OTPs or bank details, no matter how official the caller sounds. #StayAlert

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