False Mobile Tower Installation Notice Flagged As Fraud By PIB Fact Check

A fraudulent notice claiming to be issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has been circulating on social media platforms and messaging apps, promising the installation of a mobile tower on private land in exchange for a payment. The message requests the receivers to submit Rs 20,000 as a processing or registration fee, and claims that the land has already been approved for tower installation.

The notice uses official-sounding language and carries the name and logo of TRAI to appear authentic. It says that a survey has been conducted, and installation is being done under the telecom laws provisions. The message has brought up concerns because there are multiple people who received the same message requesting immediate payment.

PIB Fact Check Issues Clarification

The fact-checking department of the government, PIB (Press Information Bureau) Fact Check, has made it clear that the notice is fake. As the clarification points out, the message has no relation to any government department or telecom regulator. The unit advised the public to avoid making any payments and providing any personal or property-related information in response to such messages.

The explanation went on to add that the name of the government bodies is most often misused by the fraudsters to obtain some credibility and exploit unsuspecting citizens. It is recommended that people be cautious in such cases and should verify information with the official sources before proceeding with any action.

Purpose of the Telecom Regulator

TRAI never sends out notices to landowners requesting them to pay instalments to install the mobile towers. The regulator is only involved in setting regulations and making sure that they maintain quality service provision and safeguard consumer interests in the telecommunications industry. It is not concerned with land acquisition, tower installation approval, and financial transactions related to such activities.

The installation of mobile towers is done through licensed telecommunication service providers or infrastructure firms. These bodies go directly to the landowners via formal deals in case a site is viable. No government controller charges people in this regard.

Patterns of Telecom Related Scams

Officials noted that this is not the first instance of such fraud. Similar scams have been reported earlier, where messages promised monthly rent or lump sum payments for mobile tower installations while demanding registration or security fees in advance. Fraudsters, in most instances, disappear after collecting money.

Such frauds are usually based on a sense of urgency and the officiality of documents to coerce recipients into making hasty decisions. The messages are usually made to look real through the use of logos, signatures and allusions to laws.

Advisory for the Public

PIB has advised citizens to verify any communication claiming to be from government bodies through official websites or verified social media handles. Individuals should avoid responding to unsolicited offers regarding mobile towers, and more particularly those deals that require initial payments.

Authorities have also advised against sharing identity documents, bank details, or land records with strangers. Any suspicious communication can be reported to local authorities or through designated cybercrime reporting mechanisms.

The latest clarification highlights the growing risk of online and messaging-based frauds that misuse the names of credible institutions. As the fake news tends to spread fast, the authorities have also emphasised the role of digital awareness and precautions.