Summary of this article
PIB has warned of a fake message urging KYC verification from BSNL
Government has asked users to not share personal information without verification
The government has warned mobile users about a fake message claiming that their SIM cards will be blocked due to incomplete KYC verification. The message, appearing to be forwarded by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), has been circulating widely and causing panic.
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check unit has confirmed that the notice is fraudulent. It falsely claims that the user’s KYC has been suspended by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and warns that the SIM will be blocked within 24 hours if not updated.
“BSNLCorporate never sends any such notices. Do not share your personal & bank details with anyone,” the PIB post said.
Officials clarified that neither BSNL nor TRAI sends such alerts asking users to complete KYC through calls or unofficial links. The message is part of a phishing scam aimed at stealing personal and financial information.
Typically, the fake notice asks users to call a number or contact a “KYC executive.” Once contacted, fraudsters try to collect sensitive details like bank information, OTPs, or identity documents. PIB has advised users not to respond to such messages or share any personal data. It also stressed the importance of verifying such claims through official websites or customer care channels before acting on them.
Cyber fraud cases in India have been rising, with scammers increasingly posing as government agencies or trusted companies. These messages often create urgency—such as in this case, a 24-hour deadline—to pressure users into quick action. The government’s advisory highlights the need for awareness as digital scams become more frequent and sophisticated.
How to Report Fake News
People can also verify misleading or suspicious information related to the government through the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check service. Anyone can report fake news by sending a screenshot, tweet, Facebook post, or URL to the WhatsApp number 8799711259 or by emailing factcheck@pib.gov.in.
In any case, it is important to report cybercrime within ‘the golden hour’. It maximises the chances of recovering funds or accounts lost in cyber fraud. You can contact the National Cyber Crime Helpline by calling 1930 to report a financial fraud.
