Scammers pose as telecom agents offering fake mobile tower installation deals with promises of income and jobs.
Victims are tricked into paying large sums for fake registration, processing, and NOC documents.
Report scams to cybercrime.gov.in or by calling 1930.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has warned users of fraudulent calls for mobile tower installations. Scammers have been making fake calls to individuals, offering them to earn money by setting up new mobile towers for telecom companies like Airtel, BSNL, Jio, and Vi. Numerous cases have been reported where people have been deceived with false promises of regular income from leasing land for these mobile towers.
TRAI, in a post shared via X (formerly Twitter), has said that these calls might seem tempting and an easy way to earn money. However, these are just scams. TRAI don’t charge any fees or, issue NOCs or lease land for towers. The telecom operator has also asked users to block such fraudulent calls or SMS via the TRAI DND app. Users can also report fraud at http://cybercrime.gov.in or by calling 1930.
Not only calls, but these scammers and fraudsters also advertise mobile tower installation schemes through newspapers and other channels. These ads claim to offer a substantial amount for leasing out their land as well as a permanent job offer for one person. They even provide fake No Objection Certificates (NOCs) in the name of TRAI and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and ask for a fee to begin the installation process.
A few months back, a 55-year-old man from Jalgaon fell prey to mobile tower scammers and lost Rs 34.63 lakh. He was promised good returns, including a Rs 20,000 monthly payment in exchange for allowing a mobile tower to be set up on his property. The scammers persuaded the man to pay Rs 34.63 lakh in the name of DoT registration, processing fees, Central Pollution Control Board certificate fees, and other charges.
Also read: Vivo T3 Ultra 5G price drops by over Rs 5,000 on Amazon ahead of T4 Ultra launch
How to stay safe?
- Check the credentials of the company or individual proposing the installation with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
- Avoid paying any upfront fee without proper documentation and verification of the company’s legitimacy.
- Report any suspicious activity or a potential scam to the local police authorities or the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
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Himani Jha
Himani Jha is a tech news writer at Digit. Passionate about smartphones and consumer technology, she has contributed to leading publications such as Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech for the past five years. When not immersed in gadgets, she enjoys exploring the vibrant culinary scene, discovering new cafes and restaurants, and indulging in her love for fine literature and timeless music. View Full Profile
