In a major initiative to strengthen cybercrime prevention, the Uttarakhand Police and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, have formulated a joint strategy to curb cyber fraud and the misuse of fake SIM cards. The collaborative framework aims to improve technical coordination, enable faster information sharing, and enhance digital complaint mechanisms to address the rapidly evolving nature of cybercrime. Officials said the initiative is designed to facilitate quicker detection of online fraud, prevent the misuse of fraudulent SIM cards, and provide citizens with easier access to complaint registration.
The strategy was discussed during a high-level meeting where senior officials reviewed emerging cybercrime trends, fake SIM activation, technical support mechanisms, and methods to improve coordination between law enforcement and telecom authorities. Participants agreed that cybercriminals are increasingly relying on forged identities, unauthorized SIM cards, and sophisticated digital techniques to target victims. Strengthening real-time cooperation between the police and the telecom department is expected to improve both the speed and effectiveness of investigations.
A key focus of the meeting was the wider adoption and public awareness of the Sanchar Saathi portal. According to officials, the portal enables citizens to check all mobile connections issued in their name. If an unauthorized SIM is found linked to a person’s identity, users can request its deactivation through the portal. The platform also offers services to block stolen or lost mobile phones, track their status, and restore them if they are recovered.
Authorities highlighted that the portal also provides a centralized platform for reporting various forms of cybercrime, including fake phone calls, fraudulent WhatsApp messages, impersonation by bank officials, digital arrest scams, fake Know Your Customer (KYC) requests, investment fraud, and other online financial scams. By integrating multiple complaint categories into a single platform, officials believe citizens will find it easier to report incidents while enabling agencies to respond more efficiently.
The meeting also reviewed the digital services integrated into the initiative. Through the TAFCOP facility, users can verify all mobile numbers registered in their name and identify unauthorized connections. The Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) system allows individuals to block, trace, and later unblock stolen or lost mobile devices. Meanwhile, the Chakshu platform enables reporting of suspicious calls, SMS messages, WhatsApp scams, digital arrest fraud, banking fraud, fake KYC requests, and other deceptive communications. Citizens can also report mobile numbers, email addresses, and digital identities suspected of being used in cyber fraud.
Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said fake SIM cards and fraudulent digital identities have become a crucial component of many organized cybercrime operations. He emphasized that citizens should periodically verify the mobile connections registered in their names and immediately report any suspicious or unauthorized SIM cards. According to him, technological monitoring combined with public awareness can significantly weaken cybercriminal networks and reduce the misuse of digital identities.
Officials also decided to launch a statewide awareness campaign to promote the use of the Sanchar Saathi portal among both urban and rural residents. The Uttarakhand Police and the Department of Telecommunications will jointly conduct awareness drives through schools, colleges, public institutions, and community outreach programs to educate people about cyber safety and responsible digital practices. Authorities stressed that awareness and timely reporting remain the most effective tools for preventing cybercrime.
The Uttarakhand Police believes that stronger technical collaboration, a unified digital complaint system, and active public participation will significantly improve efforts to combat fake SIM cards, online financial fraud, and other cyber offences. Officials added that further measures will be taken to strengthen inter-agency coordination and enhance digital investigation capabilities as cyber threats continue to evolve.
