In recent days, BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) customers have been receiving fraudulent messages claiming that their SIM cards will be suspended within 24 hours due to non-compliance with Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) guidelines. These messages instruct users to call a specific number to prevent their SIM from being blocked. However, this is a scam designed to deceive customers and steal their personal information.
According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check, such messages are entirely fake and misleading. These messages are crafted to resemble an official government notice, often displaying symbols like Satyamev Jayate, BSNL’s logo, TRAI’s seal, and the Ministry of Communication’s name to appear authentic. However, they are completely fraudulent and intended to manipulate unsuspecting users.
Cybercriminals use such deceptive messages to exploit people in several ways:
Financial Fraud – Scammers may ask for banking details or OTPs once users call the provided number, leading to unauthorized transactions and monetary loss.
Personal Data Theft – Calling the number or clicking on links provided in such messages may allow hackers to steal sensitive information, including Aadhaar, banking details, and passwords.
Banking and Identity Fraud – Most mobile numbers are linked to bank accounts, Aadhaar, and other critical services. If criminals access this information, users could suffer financial and identity theft-related damages.
To ensure safety from such frauds, follow these precautionary measures:
Do Not Call Unknown Numbers – If you receive such messages, avoid calling the given number at all costs.
Verify with Official BSNL Customer Care – If you have any concerns regarding your SIM, contact BSNL’s official helpline at 1800-345-1500 instead of trusting random messages.
Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links – These messages may contain fraudulent links that redirect you to fake websites designed to steal your information.
Cross-Check with PIB Fact Check – If in doubt, email factcheck@pib.gov.in to verify the authenticity of the message.
The Government of India and BSNL have issued clear warnings that the company does not send such messages. Any legitimate communication from BSNL will come from official numbers, not random or unknown mobile numbers. Customers are advised to ignore and report such fraudulent messages.
If you receive a message stating that your BSNL SIM will be blocked within 24 hours, do not panic. This is a phishing attempt by scammers. Stay alert, avoid engaging with such fraudsters, and always rely on official BSNL sources for any information regarding your SIM card.
By staying cautious and spreading awareness, you can help prevent cyber fraud and keep your mobile number safe. If you suspect fraudulent activity, report it immediately to the relevant authorities to take action against scammers.
