Be aWare

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This morning, I get a call from a guy claiming to be from the Telecom Authority of India. Apparently, he’s noticed some "unnecessary activities" linked to my number and plans to block it.

So, I start recording the call (because why not?). This gets him upset, and he asks why I'm recording him. He says he’s from the Mumbai Crime branch and that my call is already being recorded.

I calmly tell him, “That's fine, you keep recording, I’ll keep recording too.”

Then he warns me, saying, “I’m from an officer from Crime branch. You better watch your tone.”

I respond, “Yeah, well, I'm also an officer, so stop trying to fool people.”

His tone shifts, and now he's threatening, “Ms. Y, if you get rude, you won’t believe what we can do to you.”

I tell him, “Do whatever you want, but before that, explain to me what illegal activities you’ve noticed from my number.”

He throws out some random phone number, claiming it’s linked to my mobile and being used for child trafficking, drug trafficking, and all sorts of criminal activities. He says they're going to block my number in two days.

I reply, “Well, if that number is causing all this, why call me? Just block it.”

At this point, he starts getting really abusive—yelling insults about my family and even my ancestors in Hindi. Now, sure, my ancestors might have bad moments, but who is this guy, a total aera gera, to talk bad about them?

Milton’s Digression: Recently I had a chat with a priest. He told me about another priest who used foul language in a conversation with him. Of course, my priest friend didn't back down—he threw in every slur he knew! Now, priests are supposed to be all holy, but if they can curse, why can't I?

So, I started letting this caller have it, in the worst possible language I could think of from my native tongue. Then, I realized—I’m such a failure at swearing in my own language. Instead of insulting him, I was accidentally insulting some innocent animals nearby.

Milton's Digression: Bella, Pogo, and Leo, you are my beloved pets. You taught me to love and spread joy. I feel really guilty for dragging your good names into this nonsense.

Since this guy was still going off in Hindi, I decided to step up my game. I remembered all my Hindi teachers in my head, apologized to them for what I was about to do, and unleashed a strong Hindi response. It worked—he hung up!

But then I thought, "What if he really does block my number?"

I called 1930—remember that number for fraud calls—and reported the incident to the cyber police officer. He assured me not to worry. If there was a genuine complaint about my number, my local police station would have been the first to know. He also told me not to fall for these scams, and to share my experience so others don’t get tricked.

So, here’s a little warning for you all: Don’t fall for fraudulent calls like this one! Just be aware. 



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