Spam Call Report & Block: TRAI DND Portal & App Guide

Unwanted spam calls and promotional SMS are a major nuisance in India. TRAI has set up the Do Not Disturb (DND) registry and complaint system to protect consumers. You can register for DND, report spam callers, and get telemarketers penalised. Here is the complete guide.

Step 1: Register for DND (Do Not Disturb)

Registering for DND stops most legitimate telemarketers from calling you.

By SMS

1. Send START 0 to 1909 from your mobile number
2. You will receive a confirmation SMS
3. DND activates within 7 days
4. Category 0 blocks all promotional calls and SMS

By Calling 1909

1. Call 1909 from your mobile
2. Follow the IVR instructions
3. Select to activate DND for all categories or specific ones
4. DND activates within 7 days

Category Options

Send START [category number] to 1909 to block specific categories only.

Step 2: Report Spam Calls

Method 1: TRAI DND App (Recommended)

1. Download TRAI DND app (previously called "DND/NCCP" app) from Play Store or App Store
2. Register with your mobile number
3. When you receive a spam call, open the app
4. Tap "Report Unsolicited Call"
5. Select the spam number from your call log
6. Choose the category of spam (financial, real estate, etc.)
7. Submit the complaint
8. TRAI forwards the complaint to the telecom operator for action

Method 2: Report via SMS to 1909

1. Send an SMS to 1909 in this format:
   • For unwanted call: Sender's number, date of call (dd/mm/yyyy)
   • Example: 9876543210, 05/03/2026
2. You will receive an acknowledgement SMS
3. The complaint is registered with your telecom operator

Method 3: NCCP TRAI Portal (Online)

1. Visit nccptrai.gov.in
2. Register with your mobile number
3. Click "Register Complaint"
4. Enter the spam caller's number, date, and time
5. Describe the nature of the spam call
6. Submit — you will get a complaint reference number

Method 4: Report on Truecaller

1. Open Truecaller app
2. Go to the spam call in your call log
3. Tap the number and select "Report as Spam"
4. Choose the spam category
5. This helps Truecaller warn other users, but does not file a formal TRAI complaint

Step 3: Block Spam Calls on Your Phone

On Android

1. Open the Phone app
2. Find the spam number in recent calls
3. Long-press the number
4. Select "Block number"
5. For bulk blocking: Go to Settings > Blocked numbers and add numbers

On iPhone

1. Open the Phone app
2. Go to Recents
3. Tap the (i) icon next to the spam number
4. Scroll down and tap "Block this Caller"

Using Truecaller

1. Install Truecaller and set it as your default caller ID
2. Enable "Spam Protection" in settings
3. Truecaller automatically identifies and blocks known spam numbers
4. You can set it to auto-block top spammers

What Happens After You Report?

1. TRAI forwards your complaint to the telecom operator of the spammer
2. The operator must investigate within 7 days
3. Penalties for telemarketers violating DND:
   • First complaint: Warning
   • Subsequent complaints: Number blacklisted for 2 years
   • Telecom operator can be fined up to ₹1 lakh per violation by TRAI
4. You receive an SMS update on action taken

Escalation If No Action

Step 1: Escalate Within Telecom Operator

1. If no action within 7 days, call your operator's customer care
2. Quote your complaint reference number
3. Ask for escalation to the nodal officer

Step 2: File on PG Portal

1. Visit pgportal.gov.in
2. File a grievance under Department of Telecommunications
3. Describe the issue with complaint reference numbers
4. DoT must respond within 30 days

Step 3: Consumer Forum

1. If spam continues despite complaints, file a case in the District Consumer Forum
2. Visit consumerhelpline.gov.in for guidance
3. You can claim compensation for harassment
4. See our telecom complaint guide for detailed process

Important Tips

1. Register for DND first — most spam reduces significantly within a week
2. Use the TRAI DND app — it is the official and most effective way to report spam
3. Report within 3 days of receiving the spam call for best results
4. Do not engage with spam callers — do not press any buttons they ask you to
5. Beware of scam calls — never share OTP, bank details, or Aadhaar number on any call

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does DND take to activate?

DND activates within 7 days of registration. After that, registered telemarketers are not allowed to call you.

Can I still receive OTP and bank alerts after DND?

Yes. DND only blocks promotional and marketing calls/SMS. Transactional messages like OTPs, bank alerts, and service notifications are not affected.

What if I keep getting spam after DND registration?

Report every spam call through the TRAI DND app or by SMS to 1909. The more complaints filed against a number, the faster it gets blocked.

Is Truecaller safe to use?

Truecaller is widely used in India for spam identification. However, it uploads your contacts to its servers. If privacy is a concern, use the TRAI DND app instead which is government-backed.

Can I report WhatsApp spam calls?

TRAI's DND system primarily covers regular voice calls and SMS. For WhatsApp spam, use WhatsApp's built-in "Block and Report" feature.

What is the difference between DND and NCCP?

NCCP (National Customer Complaint Portal) is the platform where DND complaints are handled. DND is the service; NCCP is the complaint system behind it.

Can I deactivate DND later?

Yes. Send STOP 0 to 1909 to deactivate DND and allow promotional calls again.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with the Government of India or TRAI. Always verify details from official sources.