CA loses Rs 3 lakh after getting a call from fake TRAI officer: Here’s what happened

We’ve all received suspicious calls claiming to be from government officials or organisations, but how many of us would actually fall for it? A recent incident in Ahmedabad serves as a stark reminder of how cyber fraudsters are getting more creative. A 25-year-old chartered accountant (CA) from Naranpura lost approx. Rs 3 lakh after being scammed by a fraudster posing as an officer from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

The complainant received a call in early December from someone claiming to be from TRAI. The caller told him that multiple SIM cards linked to his Aadhaar card were being used for illegal activities. To make the situation seem more urgent, the fraudster then connected him with another person, who introduced himself as an officer from the Mumbai Crime Branch. This officer, who appeared on a video call, further intimidated the CA by claiming that a legal case had been filed against him with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Also read: Pune techie loses Rs 23 lakh to scammers posing as crime branch officials: How to avoid such scams

To convince the CA of the seriousness of the matter, the fraudster sent a letter with legal case details, reports TOI. The CA was given two options: either visit the Mumbai Crime Branch in person or stay in touch with the officer via phone calls at any time. The fraudster then told him that he needed to transfer money to verify whether it was “crime money.”

Trusting the man, the CA followed the instructions and transferred Rs 2.92 lakh on December 1 and 2. It was only after the money was sent that the CA realized he had been tricked and approached the police. 

How to protect yourself from such scams

• Verify the caller: Always double-check the identity of anyone claiming to be from a government agency. Official organisations do not make unsolicited calls.
• Don’t share personal information: Never share sensitive details like your Aadhaar number, bank account information, or OTPs over the phone.
• Look for red flags: If the caller pressures you to act quickly or asks for money, it’s a clear sign of a scam.
• Contact authorities directly: If you receive suspicious calls, reach out to the official helpline numbers of the concerned organization to verify the claim.
• Report scams: If you suspect you’ve been scammed, report it to the police immediately to prevent further damage.