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Peace Legal Information: Making Law Simple for Every Citizen

Peace Legal Information: Making Law Simple for Every Citizen

Table of Contents Introduction — purpose & scope Why legal awareness matters Rights & Duties — equal and reciprocal Role of Police — how to cooperate Everyday laws to keep handy How to use the law to protect yourself Conclusion Introduction — purpose & scope Peace4.in brings plain-English legal information to every person living in or visiting India. This pinned page is a gateway: it explains the site's purpose, how to navigate topic clusters, and how the law can be used to prevent harm and resolve disputes through recognised legal channels. We focus only on Indian legal context and practical steps. Our aim is to increase legal literacy, encourage lawful behaviour, and support peaceful, constructive resolution of conflicts. ↑ Back to top Why legal awareness matters Legal knowledge empowers you to avoid common mistakes, make informed decisions, and access remed...
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Telecom Complaints: What You Can Do if You’re Overcharged or Harassed

Telecom Complaints: What You Can Do if You’re Overcharged or Harassed


Detailed information on the subject, Telecom Complaints: What You Can Do if You’re Overcharged or Harassed

Overcharged? Here's What to Do

If you've been wrongly billed—whether for excess data usage, roaming charges, unwanted value-added services (VAS), or any hidden fees—it’s important to act quickly. Start by contacting your telecom provider through their customer care number, official app, or complaint portal. Ask for a detailed breakdown of the bill to understand where the excess charges came from.

Telecom companies are required by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to maintain transparency in billing. You are legally entitled to a refund if the charges are found to be incorrect.

Make sure to:

  • Take screenshots of the bill and any communication.

  • Note down complaint reference numbers.

  • Save copies of any SMS or email confirmation.

If your issue is not resolved within a reasonable time (usually 3 days), escalate it to the Appellate Authority of the telecom company. You can find the escalation details on the provider’s website or through TRAI’s complaint management system.

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Harassment by Calls or SMS

Unwanted promotional calls or spam messages can be more than just an annoyance — they are a form of consumer harassment, especially if you’ve already activated DND (Do Not Disturb) services. Despite TRAI regulations, many consumers still receive marketing messages or calls from telemarketers and unknown numbers.

If you're receiving these despite activating DND:

  • Lodge a complaint with your telecom service provider through their mobile app or customer care.

  • Alternatively, use the TRAI DND complaint portal at https://www.traisdaf.gov.in to file your grievance.

  • You will need to provide the offending phone number, date/time of the call or message, and type of content (e.g., promotional, phishing, etc.).

Telemarketers who repeatedly violate DND rules can be fined or blacklisted by TRAI. Your telecom provider is obligated to investigate and act against such entities.

For more serious issues — like threatening calls, scam messages, or harassing communication — report the number to:

Maintaining a record of call logs, messages, and screenshots will strengthen your complaint and help take legal action if needed.

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Misleading Offers or Subscriptions

Many consumers are tricked into plans or VAS they didn’t opt for—especially through flash SMS or unclear app settings. This is mis-selling. Ask for immediate cancellation and refund. Under the Telecom Consumer Protection Regulations, all services must have informed consent and confirmation via SMS or call.

One of the most common grievances among telecom users is being unknowingly subscribed to value-added services (VAS) — such as ringtones, astrology tips, contests, or unwanted data packs. These subscriptions often happen through:

  • Flash SMS prompts that automatically activate services on accidental taps

  • Misleading pop-ups in telecom apps

  • Bundled offers that are not clearly explained

  • Pre-selected checkboxes during mobile recharges

This practice amounts to mis-selling and violates your rights as a consumer.

Under the Telecom Consumer Protection Regulations by TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India):

  • No telecom service can be activated without your informed and explicit consent

  • Consent must be verified through a clear confirmation SMS or recorded call

  • You must receive a confirmation of activation and have the option to cancel within 24 hours

What you can do if it happens:

  • Immediately call customer care and demand deactivation of the service

  • Ask for a full refund of any charges deducted

  • Retain all messages, call records, and screenshots as proof

  • File a complaint through the telecom provider’s website/app or TRAI’s grievance portal

Repeated violations can be escalated to TRAI or the Consumer Forum. You're legally protected from such unfair practices, and providers may face penalties for recurring complaints.

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How to File a Complaint

Step 1: Contact your telecom provider's complaint number or website (keep the complaint ID).

Step 2: If unresolved in 3 days, escalate to the Appellate Authority (details available on their website).

Step 3: If still unresolved, file a grievance on National Consumer Helpline or approach TRAI.

Maintain all communication proof (emails, chat transcripts, screenshots).

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Escalation to TRAI & Others

TRAI does not directly handle individual disputes but issues consumer regulations and oversight. If your issue is repeatedly ignored, you can write to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) or file a case before a consumer forum. Serious violations (e.g., fraud, harassment) can also be escalated to the Cyber Cell.

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Location: India