Received call for mobile tower NOC? It could be fake:PIB issues warning; know how fraudsters can steal your money and tips to stay safe

Imagine getting a call that promises you an easy way to earn ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 every month just by allowing a mobile tower on your rooftop or empty land. It sounds like a great opportunity. But there is one problem: the documents are fake. A growing number of people across India are falling victim to fake mobile tower installation scams. Fraudsters are sending forged No Objection Certificates (NOCs), fake agreements, and fake approval letters to convince people that a telecom company wants to install a tower on their property. Recently, the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the government’s official fact-checking agency, warned people about such fake mobile tower NOCs being circulated online.
What is a mobile tower NOC? A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is an official document that shows there is no objection to carrying out a particular activity. In the case of a mobile tower, different approvals and permissions may be required before installation, depending on local rules and authorities. Scammers misuse the term ‘NOC’ because many people are not familiar with the actual process. They create fake approval letters that look official by adding government logos, company names, stamps, signatures, and document numbers. At first glance, these papers appear genuine, making it easier to fool people. How the fake mobile tower scam works The scam usually begins with a phone call, WhatsApp message, SMS, or email. The fraudster claims to represent a well-known telecom company and says they are looking for land or a rooftop to install a mobile tower. They promise attractive monthly rent, often ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹70,000, depending on the location. After you show interest, they send what appears to be an official approval letter or NOC. The document looks professional, with logos, seals, signatures, and even fake government references. The scammer then claims that before the tower can be installed, you need to pay a small amount, usually around ₹2,500, as an agreement fee or processing charge. Once you transfer the money, they either disappear or come back asking for more payments under different excuses. They may say you need to pay: In some cases, fraudsters also ask for your Aadhaar number, PAN details, bank account information, or OTPs. Also read: Scammers using AI to target victims in over 100 languages: Indian women sold to scam centres, forced to run love scams under threat of physical abuse

Common tricks used to fool victims Scammers rely on psychology more than technology. Their goal is to make the offer look so convincing that victims do not question it. Some of the common tricks include: Verify if an Offer is Genuine Safety tips to avoid losing money Protecting yourself from this scam is simple if you remember a few basic precautions. Also read: Indian government to investigate WhatsApp’s username feature: Raises concerns over the possibility of Telegram-like misuse and fraud

Things you should not ignore Mobile tower installation can be a genuine business opportunity, but fraudsters are increasingly using fake NOCs and fake agreements to exploit people looking for extra income.
Spending a few minutes verifying an offer can save you from losing thousands of rupees, and protect your personal information from falling into the wrong hands.