FSSAI and Trade Licence Agent Scam by SMS

How it looks by SMS, the red flags and what to do.

On SMS the scammer has only a few lines to work with, so they use a deadline, a threat or a prize and a link that must be tapped "now". FSSAI and Trade Licence Agent Scam is one of the ways this shows up: A caller says your shop needs an FSSAI or trade licence now or faces a fine, and takes a high fee. See how small shops are pressed and what to check.

What fssai and trade licence agent scam looks like by SMS

• Several near-identical messages arriving together from different senders.
• A sender name that resembles a bank, courier, tax or utility, or an ordinary mobile number.
• A very short message with a deadline such as "today" or "within 24 hours".

The scammers take business names and addresses from public listings and call small shops with the correct trade name. They say they represent a food safety or municipal department and that an inspection is planned this week. Some pose as consultants who 'handle all paper work' and promise a licence in two days with 'special contacts'.

Red flags to check on the text message

• A call that threatens a fine or sealing the next day.
• A fee that is several times the official charge, paid to a personal account.
• A form or link that is not on the official government portal.
• A certificate promised within hours by WhatsApp.
• The link domain is not the one you type yourself for that organisation.
• The message asks for an OTP, PIN, card number or password.

What to do

1. Do not pay. Check your licence status on the official portal or at the local office.
2. Apply or renew only through the official government portal typed by hand.
3. Ask for an inspector's ID and a written notice before any action.
4. Delete the message and tell family members who may get the same text.
5. Do not reply, do not tap the link and do not call the number in the message.
6. Open the official app or type the official website yourself to see if there is any real notice.

You can report suspicious SMS and calls on the Sanchar Saathi portal (Chakshu facility) of the Department of Telecommunications.

If money or a code is already gone

1. Call 1930 and report at cybercrime.gov.in with the payment and chat details.
2. Tell your bank on the number printed on your card about the transfer.
3. Check the licence number on the official portal to see if it is genuine.
4. File a written complaint at the police station and inform the local office.

National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930; report at cybercrime.gov.in.

Safeavio's link check can look at a registration link before you open it and warn about lookalike domains and risky patterns, and the scam check marks the inspection threat and fee pressure in a message you paste. It cannot confirm whether a licence is valid, which is shown only on the official portal or at the local office. A local trade body can help too.

Full guide: FSSAI and Trade Licence Agent Scam: how it works, signs and what to do. Other channels: phone call, WhatsApp, email.

Questions