New scam with caller pretending to be from TRAI

 I've watched enough scam bait videos on YouTube to know that this is a common tactic used by scammers. They try to create a sense of urgency and fear to get you to give them money. It's important to remember that real government agencies or service providers will never ask for personal information or payments over the phone. If you're unsure, verify the information through official channels.

Recently, I was the target of a particularly egregious robo-scam. A robotic voice, claiming to be from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), informed me that my phone numbers were about to be blocked due to a violation. I was supposed to press a number to proceed. When I did I was connected to the scammer, who seemed completely unaware of my name, proceeded to mention another phone number that was allegedly registered against me.

The audacity of this person was astounding. They not only accused me of wrongdoing but also demanded a payment to prevent my numbers from being disconnected. It was as if they had a script that they were reading from, completely oblivious to the fact that they were speaking to a real person.

This was a clear-cut case of a robo-scam. These scammers often use fear tactics to manipulate their victims. They prey on our concerns about our phone services and try to extort money from us.

Here's what you should do if you encounter such a call:

  1. Do not engage with the caller. The more you talk to them, the more information they can gather about you.
  2. Hang up immediately. Don't give them any opportunity to continue their scam.
  3. Report the incident. File a complaint with TRAI or your network provider. They can investigate the matter and take appropriate action. Use the TRAI's DND app to report the caller.
  4. Be cautious about future calls. If you receive any suspicious calls claiming to be from government agencies or service providers, be wary.

In addition to the steps I mentioned in my previous response, here are some other things you can do to protect yourself from robo-scams:

  • Use call screening apps. There are a number of apps that can help you block robocalls and identify suspicious numbers.
  • Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you're unsure about a call, don't hesitate to ask the caller for more information. Dont do anything in urgency. At any point, they do say you need to consult with your spouse, father, brother or anyone else.

By being aware and vigilant, we can help prevent these scammers from succeeding. Let's stand united against such fraudulent activities and protect ourselves from falling victim to their tricks.

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