Sanchar Saathi is India’s flagship citizen-centric digital safety initiative, launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in May 2023. This revolutionary platform has already achieved remarkable success:
- 6 lakh+ lost and stolen mobile devices recovered
- 19 crore+ website visits processed
- 90 lakh+ mobile app downloads
Sanchar Saathi serves as a comprehensive digital security ecosystem designed to empower mobile subscribers, safeguard their communications, and enhance awareness of government digital safety initiatives.
1. CHAKSHU – Report Suspected Fraud & Unsolicited Commercial Communication
What is CHAKSHU?
CHAKSHU enables citizens to report two main categories of suspicious or unwanted communications:
- Suspected Fraud Communication – Must be reported within 30 days
- Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC) – Must be reported within 7 days
Types of Fraud Covered
- Investment & Stock Market Scams
- Impersonation Frauds (DoT/TRAI, RBI, Aadhaar, Police, etc.)
- KYC & Payment Scams
- Fake Customer Care Helplines
- Sextortion & Malicious Threats
- Fake Job, Lottery & Loan Offers
How to Report Using CHAKSHU
Via Portal
- Visit Sanchar Saathi → Citizen Centric Services → Chakshu
- Select medium (Call/SMS/WhatsApp) & fraud category
- Enter details + upload optional screenshot
- Verify mobile number with OTP & submit
Via Mobile App
- iOS: Call logs sync automatically → easy reporting
- Android: Users can manually report from call/SMS logs
Important: If money has already been lost, report at:
- Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930
- Website: www.cybercrime.gov.in
2. Block Your Lost or Stolen Mobile Handset (CEIR)
The Central Equipment Identity Registration (CEIR) system blocks and tracks lost/stolen phones nationwide.
Features
- Instant Blocking: IMEI blocked across all networks
- Traceability: Alerts sent when SIM inserted in blocked device
- High Recovery Rate: 6 lakh+ phones recovered
How to Block Your Phone
Option 1 – Online:
- File police report & keep ID proof ready
- Fill IMEI blocking form online
- Upload documents → receive unique Request ID
Option 2 – Through Police: Submit complaint at state police (blocking & unblocking handled there)
Unblocking Recovered Device
- Submit unblocking request online (or via state police)
- IMEI unblocked after verification
Status Tracking
- Track using Complaint ID + registered mobile
- OTP verification for secure access
3. TAFCOP – Know Mobile Connections in Your Name
TAFCOP (Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management & Consumer Protection) helps users detect unauthorized SIMs issued under their name.
Key Features
- Login with mobile number & OTP
- View all SIMs issued under Aadhaar ID
- Limit: 9 SIMs per user (6 in J&K & NE states)
Reporting Unauthorized SIMs
- Not My Number – SIM not yours
- Not Required – Disconnect voluntarily
- Report for Disconnection – Fraudulent connections
Action Timeline: Outgoing – 30 days | Incoming – 45 days | Disconnection – 60 days
Impact: Over 1 crore unauthorized connections disconnected
4. KYM – Verify Mobile Handset Genuineness
The Know Your Mobile (KYM) service lets users verify a device’s IMEI before purchase.
Verification Methods
- Online Portal: Enter IMEI + OTP
- SMS: Send
KYM <IMEI>to 14422 - App: Integrated IMEI check in Sanchar Saathi app
Information Provided
- Manufacturer & Brand
- Model Name
- Authenticity (genuine or fake/stolen)
5. RICWIN – Report International Calls Using Indian Numbers
RICWIN tackles fraud calls where international numbers appear as Indian (+91).
Common Scams
- Fake banking calls (asking OTPs)
- Impersonation of government officials
- Lottery/job/investment fraud
How to Report
- Portal: Enter number, date, time, call details
- Alternative: Call 1963 or 1800-110-420
6. KYI – Find Wireline Internet Service Providers
The Know Your ISP (KYI) module helps users locate licensed internet providers.
Search Options
- By PIN Code
- By Address
- By ISP Name
Benefits for Govt Employees
- Reliable internet for work-from-home
- Verified ISPs for official residences
- Licensed service providers only
7. Trusted Contact Details – Verified Bank & Financial Institution Contacts
This feature provides authentic contact details of banks & financial institutions to prevent fraud.
Verification Options
- Search by Institution Name
- Verify Contact Numbers, Emails, Websites
Benefits
- Prevents fake customer care scams
- Protects salary accounts & transactions
- Enhances financial security
Accessibility, Privacy & Support
- Available in Hindi, English & 21 regional languages
- Confidentiality of reporters protected
- Support: help-sancharsaathi@cdot.in | 011-20907480
Conclusion – Towards a Secure Digital India
Sanchar Saathi marks a paradigm shift in digital governance, empowering citizens with tools to:
- Block lost/stolen devices
- Report frauds & fake calls
- Verify SIMs & devices
- Access verified financial contacts
For Central Government employees, it is especially useful in safeguarding official communications, protecting sensitive data, and contributing to India’s national cybersecurity framework.
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