Sanchar Saathi Portal – A digital initiative by the Government of India to help you track lost phones, block stolen devices, and verify mobile connections. Stay safe, stay connected

Introduction: What Is Sanchar Saathi?

Sanchar Saathi is a centralized, user‑friendly web portal and app initiative launched in May 2023 by the Department of Telecommunications to empower mobile users in India Registrationwala+11Wikipedia+11Apple+11. It offers a suite of services designed to enhance telecom security, prevent fraud, and manage mobile connections registered under a person’s identity Apple+5India Government+5TAFCOP+5.

Available as both a web portal and a mobile app (Android and iOS), Sanchar Saathi provides a single destination for services such as blocking lost phones, tracking SIM connections in your name, reporting spam/fraud messages, and verifying device genuineness Govt Staff Portal+5Apple+5How Does It Work+5.

2. Core Modules and Features

a) CEIR – Central Equipment Identity Register

This module allows users to report lost or stolen mobile phones by IMEI number. Once submitted, the device is blacklisted across all telecom networks, rendering it unusable in India Reddit+12India Government+12WintWealth+12. Law enforcement agencies can trace attempts to use blocked devices. Once recovered, users can request unblocking via the portal. CEIR also helps identify forged IMEIs used in counterfeit phones How Does It Work+4India Government+4Govt Staff Portal+4.

b) TAFCOP – Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection

TAFCOP enables Indian citizens to view and manage mobile connections issued under their Aadhaar. If you identify unauthorized or redundant SIM connections in your name, you can report them directly via this tool How Does It Work+5India Government+5TAFCOP+5. This plays a key role in preventing SIM‑related identity theft and credential misuse.

c) Chakshu – Report Fraudulent or Spam Communications

Chakshu lets users report fraudulent or unsolicited communications received within the last 30 days—across voice calls, SMS or WhatsApp. This includes phishing, impersonation, fake KYC, ambiguous utility messages, bank impersonation, and more India TV News+12Sancharsaathi+12Sancharsaathi+12. Complaints must be submitted within three days to trigger action; older submissions serve as intelligence to identify repeat offenders Sancharsaathi+1Sancharsaathi+1.

3. How to Use the Portal and App

Using Sanchar Saathi is straightforward:

1. Access the portal/app at www.sancharsaathi.gov.in or via the downloadable “Sanchar Saathi” app available on iOS/Android Registrationwala+11Apple+11Sancharsaathi+11.

2. Log in using your mobile number → receive an OTP → verify.

3. For Chakshu: select type of communication, attach a screenshot (text and sender auto‑populates), enter your name and mobile number, confirm OTP, preview and submit India TV NewsReddit+3Reddit+3Reddit+3.

4. For CEIR: input IMEI, upload police acknowledgement, submit for blocking. Optionally request unblocking later.

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5. For TAFCOP: view all SIM connections linked to your Aadhaar, report unknown/unwanted ones.

The portal also includes a “Keep Yourself Aware” section offering up‑to‑date tips and educational content on telecom fraud, end‑user and data security WintWealthSancharsaathi+3Sancharsaathi+3India Government+3.

4. Real‑World Impact & Government Efforts

Since its launch, Sanchar Saathi has achieved substantial milestones:

• Over 40 lakh fraudulent connections identified and over 36 lakh disconnected through TAFCOP’s insights Sancharsaathi+3Govt Staff Portal+3How Does It Work+3.

• 1.86 lakh mobile handsets blocked across India via CEIR by April 2024, aimed at curbing cyber‑fraud and phone theft ETGovernment.com.

• Over 52 primary entities sending phishing SMS have been blacklisted; some 700 SMS templates deactivated; around 10,834 suspect mobile numbers flagged for re‑verification; 8,272 connections disconnected for failing re‑verification. These steps significantly reduce spam and promote safer telecom usage ETGovernment.com.

The DoT continues to issue public advisories encouraging citizens to report spoofed calls—especially foreign-origin WhatsApp or voice calls impersonating officials—and directs users to the Chakshu facility for recording such incidents India TV News+1ETGovernment.com+1.

5. User Benefits & Recognition

Benefits:

• Empowered control: track mobile connections under your identity and take action.

• Theft prevention: immobilization of lost/stolen handsets via IMEI block.

• Fraud deterrence: a reporting mechanism for spam, phishing, impersonation attempts.

• Informed purchase decisions: verify authenticity of second-hand or new mobiles.

• Centralized awareness hub: guiding users on telecom‑related threats and regulations.

Recognition:

• Developed by DoT in-house, aligned with Digital India vision and part of national cyber‑security goals India GovernmentSancharsaathi.

• Widely cited as India’s first unified platform for mobile safety and subscriber protection, with growing usage nationwide.

6. User Feedback & Community Response

Online forums and social media reflect mixed user feedback:

• Many reports praise Chakshu’s simplicity: users just upload screenshots, select medium, complete OTP, and submit—making complaints quick and accessible Reddit+3Reddit+3Reddit+3.

• However, some users report occasional app glitches—e.g., inability to submit complaints in busy scenarios—though overall sentiment supports the initiative Reddit.

7. Limitations & Recommendations

Limitations:

• Chakshu is for reporting suspected fraud communications only, not financial loss cases. Victims of actual financial fraud must use cyber‑crime helpline (1930) or cybercrime.gov.in for further support ETGovernment.com+2Sancharsaathi+2Sancharsaathi+2.

• Reporting of spam/UCC is time‑sensitive—beyond 3 days, complaints may not trigger immediate action but still serve intelligence purposes.

Recommendations:

• Enhance the app’s reliability during peak traffic.

• Expand educational content in multilingual formats for better reach.

• Accelerate follow‑up mechanisms for reported persons and improve stats transparency.

8. Closing Thoughts

Sanchar Saathi is a commendable step forward toward digital public safety and user empowerment in India’s booming telecom sector. With its CEIR, TAFCOP, and Chakshu modules, the platform gives citizens a proactive role in securing their personal telecom identity, devices, and communications. Its growing adoption and government support make it a cornerstone of India’s telecom security architecture.

If you’re concerned about unknown SIM cards under your name, worried about fraud calls, or buying a second-hand phone—check out Sanchar Saathi today. It’s free, central, secure, and citizen-first.