TRAI and RBI Initiatives to Combat Pesky Calls

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is actively implementing measures to curb pesky calls and messages, ensuring better protection for end customers from spam and scams.

To support these initiatives, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a directive on January 16, 2025, to all financial entities, including NBFCs and other institutions, highlighting the necessity of aligning their operations with TRAI’s regulations.

As per the RBI directive, all RBI-regulated entities must take proactive measures to align with TRAI’s guidelines and ensure regulatory compliance. These measures are designed to enhance customer protection and mitigate risks associated with spam and scam calls.

Additionally, the directive mandates that financial entities use the 140 numbering series for promotional calls to enhance identification and accountability.

Furthermore, the adoption of the 160 numbering series for service/transactional voice calls will be required once it becomes operational, further strengthening compliance frameworks.

The official notification from RBI can be referred to the link: Curb Pesky Calls and Messages