TRAI warns public of fraud in its name

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a notice stating that some companies/ agencies/ individuals are fraudulently asking members of the public to deposit money in their personal/ companies’ account as Government Tax under Telecom Act for leasing their premises for installation of mobile towers. 

It added that these companies/ agencies/ individuals become unreachable after collection of money. They are also issuing fake ‘No Objection Certificates/ Permissions’ for the installation of tower purportedly issued by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. 

TRAI has cautioned the public at large that it is not involved, directly or indirectly, in levy of any tax or fees on leasing of premises for installation of mobile towers or for issuing any ‘No Objection Certificates’ for the purpose. 

“Anyone dealing or entering into agreements with such companies/ agencies/ individuals will be doing so at his/her own risk and TRAI shall not be responsible for any claim or loss or damages, whatsoever, suffered directly or indirectly. Affected persons may take up the matter with the law enforcing agencies,” TRAI cautioned.