TRAI’s Big Move Against Scams: 1600-Series Numbers Made Mandatory for Banking Calls!

TRAI Directs Banks: 1600-Series Phone Numbers to Curb Financial Fraud

To tackle rising financial fraud committed through fake phone calls, TRAI has taken a major decision. Banks and financial institutions regulated by RBI, SEBI, and PFRDA—including BFSI companies—must strictly use only 1600-series phone numbers for all customer service and transaction-related calls. This rule will also apply to mutual fund companies and NBFCs.

All government, private, and foreign banks must implement this rule from January 1, 2026. TRAI’s move aims to prevent voice-call-based financial scams and help customers easily distinguish between genuine and fraudulent calls.

For insurance companies, this rule will be enforced after discussions with IRDAI are completed.

Implementation Deadlines as per TRAI:

Mutual fund companies and asset management companies must implement the rule from February 15, 2026. Qualified stock brokers will have to follow it from March 15, 2026. Large NBFCs regulated by the RBI, payment banks, and small finance banks (SFBs) must comply by February 1, 2026. Other NBFCs, cooperative banks, regional rural banks (RRBs), and other small institutions must implement it from March 1, 2026. Central record-keeping agencies and pension fund managers must comply by February 15, 2026.