Not all voices on the line are what they seem; some hide traps behind a friendly tone.
Beware the 1600 Callers
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued an important warning for mobile users: if you receive a call from a number starting with the 1600 series and the caller asks for an OTP or PIN, do not share it. According to TRAI, “Genuine service calls will never ask for confidential information over the phone.”
This advisory comes in response to growing instances of phone-based fraud, where scammers impersonate banks, telecom providers, or other trusted organizations to trick users into revealing sensitive information. OTPs (One-Time Passwords) and PINs are often used to authorize transactions or access accounts, making them a prime target for fraudsters. By staying alert and refusing to disclose these details, users can protect themselves from potential financial or identity-related losses.
How to Stay Safe
TRAI recommends that the safest course of action is to end the call immediately if any suspicious requests are made. Users are also encouraged to report such calls through the TRAI DND App or directly via their telecom provider. By doing so, authorities can track, investigate, and take action against these fraudulent operations, helping to safeguard the broader public.
This simple awareness step can prevent fraudsters from exploiting unsuspecting individuals, ensuring that sensitive personal and financial information remains secure. Vigilance, combined with prompt reporting, is a powerful tool in protecting oneself in today’s increasingly digital communication landscape.
Sometimes, hanging up is the strongest shield one can hold.
Summary
TRAI has warned users not to share OTPs or PINs when receiving calls from 1600-number series. “Genuine service calls will never ask for confidential information over the phone.” Users should immediately end suspicious calls and report them through the TRAI DND App or their telecom provider, protecting themselves from phone-based fraud and identity theft.
