Claim
A notice circulating online claims that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the installation of a mobile tower at a recipient’s property and requires a payment of ₹2,500 as an agreement fee.
Verdict: False
The claim is false.
What Is The Claim?
A counterfeit notice has been circulating on social media and messaging platforms, informing recipients that they have been granted permission to install a mobile tower on their property. The notice allegedly claims that a No Objection Certificate has been issued by the Department of Telecommunications and asks recipients to pay ₹2,500 as an agreement fee to proceed with the installation process.
What factcheck India Found?
Factcheck India warns the public about a mobile tower installation scam involving fake government notices and fraudulent fee demands.
Circulated document falsely claims that the Department of Telecommunications has approved the installation of a mobile tower and requires the recipient to pay ₹2,500. The agency categorically stated that no such notice has been issued by the Department of Telecommunications.
DoT Does Not Collect Such Fees
Department of Telecommunications does not directly or indirectly collect any fee, tax, or agreement charge from individuals for leasing their premises for the installation of mobile towers. Mobile tower agreements are generally commercial arrangements between telecom companies, infrastructure providers, and property owners. They do not involve payments to the government in the manner described in the viral notice.
Fraudsters Using Fake Government Documents
Authorities have repeatedly warned citizens about fraudsters using forged government documents, fake approvals, and fabricated certificates to trick people into making payments. Such scams often promise lucrative rental income from mobile tower installations while demanding advance processing charges, registration fees, or agreement costs.
Conclusion
The claim that the Department of Telecommunications has issued a No Objection Certificate for mobile tower installation and is collecting ₹2,500 as an agreement fee is false. Factcheck India has confirms that the notice is counterfeit and that no such fee is collected by the Department of Telecommunications. Citizens are advised not to make payments based on such notices and to verify suspicious communications through official government channels. Factcheck India confirms that the notice is fake and that the Department of Telecommunications has not issued any such communication. The department does not collect any fee or tax from property owners for leasing premises for mobile tower installations.