SIM KYC scam alert: Government warns against fake notice claiming SIM deactivation; here’s what to do

SIM KYC Scam

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has issued a clarification after an image circulating on social media claimed that BSNL customers’ SIM cards would be blocked within 24 hours due to KYC suspension by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). PIB Fact Check has flagged the notice as fake and warned users not to respond to such alerts.

The viral message, formatted to resemble an official BSNL communication, claims that the customer’s SIM KYC has been suspended and urges them to call a number for verification. It also carries forged logos of BSNL, TRAI, and the Government of India. It further warns that the SIM card will be blocked within 24 hours if no action is taken.

The message also lists a supposed KYC verification executive’s name and phone number, asking users to “contact immediately.”

Have you also received a notice purportedly from BSNL, claiming that the customer's KYC has been suspended by @TRAI and the sim card will be blocked within 24 hrs❓#PIBFactCheck❌ Beware! This Notice is #Fake. ✅ @BSNLCorporate never sends any such notices.✅ Do not… pic.twitter.com/LjcJkdIyWq

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) July 12, 2025

PIB Fact Check confirmed that BSNL has not issued any such notice and does not send messages instructing users to verify KYC through unsolicited phone calls. “This notice is fake. BSNL has NOT issued any notice related to SIM KYC,” PIB said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

It advised users to avoid sharing personal information such as bank details, Aadhaar numbers, or OTPs with any unidentified callers or websites linked in such messages.

If you receive such a message, do not call the number mentioned. Instead, verify with BSNL’s official customer service. PIB Fact Check also shared a helpline (+91 8799711259) and an email address (factcheck@pib.gov.in) where users can report suspicious notices or seek verification.