India’s Sanchar Saathi platform allows mobile users to identify unknown SIM connections, report suspicious calls, block stolen phones and verify handset authenticity through a single government service. Developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the platform combines several consumer-protection facilities that previously required separate procedures.
Launched in May 2023, Sanchar Saathi has become an important part of India’s response to telecom-related fraud. According to the Ministry of Communications, the portal crossed 30 crore visits by October 2026, while more than four crore requests concerning mobile connections registered in subscribers’ names had been resolved. Press Information Bureau
What Is Sanchar Saathi and How Does It Work?
Sanchar Saathi is a government-operated digital platform designed to help citizens protect mobile connections and devices against misuse.
Available through its official website and mobile application, it brings together facilities for subscriber verification, suspicious communication reporting, handset blocking and device authenticity checks.
The platform is not a substitute for police investigation or banking dispute resolution. Its principal role is to help users identify potential telecom misuse and provide actionable information to the relevant authorities.
TAFCOP: Check Mobile Numbers Registered in Your Name
TAFCOP, or Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection, allows subscribers to review mobile connections issued using their identity.
To access the service, visit the official portal and select Know Your Mobile Connections. Enter your mobile number, complete OTP authentication and examine the displayed connections.
Users can report numbers they never obtained or connections they no longer require. Such reports may trigger verification and further action by telecom operators.
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The facility is particularly useful for detecting SIM cards obtained through identity misuse. However, an unfamiliar number does not automatically establish criminal activity.
Chakshu: Report Suspicious Calls, SMS and WhatsApp Messages
Chakshu allows citizens to report suspected fraudulent communications, including fake KYC requests, impersonation of police or bank officials, suspicious investment offers and fraudulent job advertisements.
Users can submit relevant information about the communication, including its category, date, time and supporting screenshots where applicable.
DoT analyses these reports to identify potentially misused telecom resources. According to government figures released in July 2026, citizen reports through Sanchar Saathi contributed to action resulting in the disconnection of 50.90 lakh mobile connections.
Chakshu is intended for suspicious communications. Anyone who has already lost money should immediately contact the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 or register a complaint through cybercrime.gov.in.
CEIR: Block and Trace Lost or Stolen Mobile Phones
The Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) helps subscribers block lost or stolen handsets across Indian telecom networks.
Users should first report the loss to police, arrange a replacement SIM where required, and submit the handset’s IMEI and supporting information through the CEIR facility.
Once blocking is processed, the device is prevented from operating on participating Indian mobile networks. If subsequent network activity makes the handset traceable, relevant information can be shared with police.
The facility also supports unblocking when a handset is recovered. Blocking does not guarantee physical recovery or automatically erase personal information stored on the phone.
IMEI Verification: Check a Phone Before Buying
Sanchar Saathi’s Know Genuineness of Your Mobile Handset service allows buyers to verify a device using its International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI).
Users can find the IMEI by dialling `*#06#` on the handset and checking the displayed number through the government service.
The verification provides device information, including the brand, model and manufacturer. A mismatch between the handset and the recorded details deserves further examination, especially when purchasing a second-hand device.
Other Sanchar Saathi Citizen Tools
Sanchar Saathi also offers facilities for reporting international calls that display Indian caller IDs, verifying trusted contact details of banks and financial institutions, and accessing fraud-awareness material.
The international-call reporting facility addresses caller-ID spoofing, where an overseas call is made to appear domestic. Trusted Contact Details helps users check official customer-care information before responding to suspicious banking communications.
These services complement TAFCOP, Chakshu and CEIR rather than replacing them. Press Information Bureau
Frequently Asked Questions About Sanchar Saathi
1. Is Sanchar Saathi free?
Yes. Its official citizen verification and reporting services are provided without a service fee.
2. Can Sanchar Saathi recover a stolen phone?
CEIR can support tracing and police recovery efforts, but physical recovery is not guaranteed.
3. Can I check unknown SIM cards in my name?
Yes. TAFCOP provides this facility through OTP-based verification.
4. Does Chakshu replace a cybercrime complaint?
No. Financial fraud victims should contact 1930 or report through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
5. Can I use Sanchar Saathi without installing the app?
Yes. Its citizen services are accessible through the official website.
6. Can I verify a second-hand phone?
Yes. The IMEI verification service helps buyers examine a handset’s recorded identity.
The420 Insight: Use the Right Tool Before Fraud Escalates
Sanchar Saathi offers different safeguards for different problems. TAFCOP helps identify unauthorised connections, Chakshu collects suspicious communication reports, and CEIR helps restrict the misuse of lost devices. Citizens should use the appropriate facility promptly and preserve complaint references for follow-up.
About the Author – Ayesha Aayat writes on cybercrime, fraud, scams, cybersecurity, digital safety, and emerging threats.
