Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain - Thursday 29 March 2011 - The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has today issued a warning to all mobile subscribers and users on scam calls originated from local and international numbers.

It has been brought to the attention of TRA that consumers are being contacted with promises of wining prizes and large cash amounts. Consumers are being asked to reveal personal information and to provide prepaid top ups to the caller in order to qualify for and collect the prizes.

TRA strongly condemns such activities and stresses the need for consumers to exercise caution concerning such calls and to refrain from giving out personal information to unknown individuals or organisation and where the use of that information may be illegal or harmful to the consumer.

"Consumers should only accept calls or information on promotions and offers through the official communications channels of their licenced operators. Any promotion or a call seeking information from unknown source should be rejected and immediately reported to the licensed operator's customer services" stated, Mr. Basil Al Arrayed, Director of Communications and Consumer Affairs, TRA.

TRA would also like to invite consumers to verify any information on promotions and to check on any doubts via their service providers call centre. Consumers are reminded to never give out personal information, such as bank account details and or passwords to unknown callers.

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About TRA
Since its establishment in 2002 the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of the Kingdom of Bahrain (TRA) has been working with government, consumers, operators and investors to develop the Kingdom of Bahrain into the region's most modern communications hub and to facilitate the growth of the market. As an exemplary Regulator for the region, TRA independently carries out its duties in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner. More information about TRA can be viewed at www.tra.org.bh

Media Contact
Abdulelah Abdulla
Communications Manager
Tel: +973 17 520000
Mobile: +973 36368555
Fax: +973 17 532125
Email: aabdulla@tra.org.bh

© Press Release 2011