Scam alert: Fake letter claims TRAI approved for 5G tower installation on your land; here’s what you should do

5G tower installation scam

Mobile tower installation scam has been happening for a while now, and recently it has resurfaced across the country, where people are receiving a letter, claiming to be from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) – with a notice for 5G tower installation on their land. PIB Fact Check has exposed the letter and deemed it “Fake” and warned citizens not to fall for this scam.

But the question here is how this scam works and how it can be dangerous for you. Let us explain:

What is the letter about

People receive a letter claiming to be from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is being circulated across India, falsely offering permission for installing 5G mobile towers on private property. The letter is designed to look official and includes government emblems, letterheads, and signatures. However, TRAI has confirmed that it does not lease or rent premises for mobile tower installations, back in 2022 – via an official press note.

Here’s what the letter reads:
“I want to inform you that, your land was checked by satellite then, there was a proper range of network on your land from satellite. So, your land has been approved for installation 5G mobile tower under Telecommunication act-1972.

Receive the documents from the owner of the building and structure stability from the civil engineer. Department of Telecommunication allows you to install a tower at your site without any type of physical process.

Please follow the company rules. And submit all compulsory documents to the Non-department within 48 hours. Then you have to receive your tower panel approval at your site.”

It is signed off with a fake signature attributed to a “Soumyendu Ganguly” claiming to represent TRAI, along with a false KHATA number and forged seals.

How the scam works and what’s so dangerous about it

This is a classic impersonation scam. Fraudsters send fabricated letters or emails to landowners, claiming that their land has been approved for a telecom tower. Victims are asked to submit documents or pay fees for approval, which can lead to identity theft or financial fraud. The urgency and official tone are intended to pressure victims into complying quickly.

So, to get the final approval, you are required to present your land papers, identity cards and even make payment for the approval process. This is exactly where the scam is happening. First, you’ll lose the money deposited. Second, you land papers, identity cards will also land in wrong hands and they can be used in various ways.

Tips to stay protected
- TRAI does not approve land for tower installation.
- Never share personal or land-related documents without verifying the source.
- Ignore letters demanding urgent submissions or payments.
- Verify claims with telecom companies or through official government portals.
- Report such scams to cybercrime.gov.in or the nearest police station.