BTRC alerts mobile users to frauds

The telecom regulator asked mobile phone users not to share any personal information, like passwords of mobile financial services or banking information, to anyone through phone calls or SMS, even if they refer to the regulator's name.

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission yesterday issued a notice in this regard. It has recently observed that a group of criminals were collecting customers' SIM registration information by confusing them with fraudulent calls and even asking for money from customers.

BTRC has received complaints in the last few days, said Md Sarwar Alam, spokesperson of the regulator.

"We will do everything possible to protect the interests of customers."

The enforcing division of BTRC has been assigned to investigate the matter, Alam added.

The telecom watchdog has two e-mail addresses (btrc@btrc.gov.bd and consumer.inquiries@btrc.gov.bd) to receive complaints from users.

BTRC will also receive users' calls to learn more about it on 2872.

The issue of fraudulent activities was also discussed at yesterday's commission meeting, said a senior official.

"In the name of curbing SIM registration complexities, the criminals are asking for different passwords and undisclosed information from the customers," reads the notice.

BTRC has found that the criminals are using different names like BD info, Bangladesh info and BTRC info to send SMS to the customers with different short codes, trying to appear authentic.

At the same time, the telecom watchdog has also asked all to refrain from such activities.