BSNL identifies firm defrauding its customers

Chennai: Following a tip-off from former telecom advisor, BSNL officials in Chennai identified a service firm fleecing BSNL broadband customers.

According to BSNL sources, employees of a private firm had introduced themselves as customer care executives and registered complaints and suggest change of modem or repair of existing broadband or phone connection and con customers with exorbitant bills. “These technicians purchase new modems from private market and the device is replaced with the BSNL modems supplied to our customers.  These workers are no way connected with BSNL, but they use the letter pad of BSNL for billing and communication,” a source said.

“Vigilance department had lodged a complaint with Pulianthope police and the issue is now dealt by crime branch. So far two  have been detained and another four are under investigations,” a police source said.

“There were several complaints from our customers about the modems being installed at higher rates. The vigilance department was alerted and they have been tracking those misusing BSNL’s name,” said chief general manager S.M. Kalavathy. “We have sent alerts to our customers on this. BSNL charges only Rs 1,500 for modems and the tariff rates are available at service centres,” the official said.