COAI Issues Advisory Against Fake Free Recharge Messages

On Wednesday, telecom operators, via COAI, issued a public advisory against fake free recharge messages in circulation. Notably, these plans have been present on socials for a while now. These messages, doing rounds on every social media, promise free recharge plans to the receiver.

However, interacting with such messages has many potential risks. So much so that it can also allow the sender to possibly steal personal data from users.

Beware of Fake Free Recharge Messages

The Cellular Operators Association of India took notice of the fake messages in their advisory. Citing these messages' “ fraudulent intentions", the forum summarized the contents of these messages.

Notably, these fake free recharge messages falsely cite the government. The messages falsely claim that the Government has promised 100 million users free recharges for online education. COAI also said that this lured people in "to click on a link to avail the free offer".

Afterwards, the telcos warned their customers in clear-cut words. COAI said, “we want to caution the public about this scam. If you get such a message, DO NOT click on the Link as it could lead to data and information theft from the mobile device, and can have other serious consequences. By simply deleting and not forwarding such message, we can together fight this menace and save others from getting cheated.”

Voice&Data also requests its readers to report such messages to related authorities promptly.

Notably, COAI represents Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea.