The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has strengthened its crackdown on telecom fraud and spam by taking action against more than 21 lakh fraudulent mobile numbers and around one lakh entities involved in spam and fraudulent communication in the last one year. This action highlights the increasing importance of citizen participation in reporting telecom misuse.
TRAI has issued a fresh advisory urging all mobile users to report unsolicited calls and messages directly through the TRAI DND App. The Authority stressed that blocking spam numbers on personal devices is not enough because it only stops the number from appearing on one user’s phone. It does not stop the offender from targeting thousands of others using new or recycled numbers. Reporting through the official app helps authorities trace the source, verify misuse, and disconnect offenders permanently.
Citizens’ Reports Drive Major Enforcement Action
According to TRAI, the crackdown on lakhs of mobile phone numbers and entities was possible because mobile users actively reported spam and fraudulent communication. When a user reports a spam call or SMS on the TRAI DND App, telecom service providers analyze the complaint, correlate it with network data, verify misuse patterns, and disconnect the numbers involved. This process disrupts large scale scam networks and prevents further damage.
Blocking a number on a smartphone only hides it locally and allows scammers to keep targeting others. Reporting through the TRAI DND App ensures misuse is identified at the source and stopped across the network.
Key Public Advisory from TRAI
TRAI has shared clear guidance to help citizens protect themselves and assist enforcement agencies in reducing telecom based fraud across the country. Citizens are advised to:
Download the TRAI DND App from official app stores
Report spam messages and calls through the TRAI DND App instead of simply blocking them on phones
Avoid sharing personal information, financial details, or banking credentials on calls, messages, or social media
Immediately disconnect if a call seems threatening, suspicious, or asks for confidential information
Report cyber frauds to the National Cybercrime Helpline at 1930 or through the portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in
Report attempted fraud involving telecom resources using the Chakshu feature available on the Sanchar Saathi portal
TRAI emphasized that a safe and trustworthy digital communication environment requires continuous enforcement, technology driven monitoring, and active participation from citizens. The increased use of AI based fraud detection systems and coordinated action with telecom service providers is helping to curb misuse, but public reporting remains the most effective mechanism for real time intervention.
Special Appeal to Vulnerable User Groups
In the advisory, Atul Kumar Chaudhary, Secretary of TRAI, urged citizens across all age groups to remain vigilant. Special emphasis was placed on senior citizens, women users, and digitally new or less experienced individuals who often fall victim to phone based fraud. TRAI encouraged users to share the advisory within communities to increase awareness and ensure timely reporting of any suspicious communication.
Building a Secure Telecom Ecosystem
TRAI reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening consumer protection and ensuring secure access to mobile communication services. With continued reporting through the TRAI DND App and proactive awareness efforts, the telecom ecosystem can significantly reduce spam, scams, and fraudulent activity across the country.
Shafana Fazal
