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The Introduction
In today’s technologically advanced era, mobile phones are an indispensable requirement for communication. Sensitive information, such as financial data, personal data, and identification cards, is conveniently stored on mobile phones. However, with convenience comes the risk of online fraud. The rising concern of mobile theft, SIM misuse, and spam calls is growing at an alarming rate, which makes mobile safety a growing concern amongst customers.
The Ministry of Communications, Government of India, has recently launched the Sanchaar Saathi Portal as a one-stop solution for mobile subscribers. The portal is built on three concrete pillars – safety, transparency, and fraud prevention. It assists the mobile subscribers to protect devices, inspect mobile connections linked to the respective ID, and report fraudulent cases.
Digital awareness can safeguard citizens from identity theft, financial scams, and misuse of mobile numbers. The Sanchaar Saathi portal is not just a government initiative but a shield for digital life. In this blog, let us understand the key features of the portal and how it works to protect from falling prey to online scams.
Key Features of Sanchaar Saathi
1. Stolen or Blocked Lost Mobile (CEIR Module)
The Sanchaar Saathi Portal provides a Central Equipment Identity Research Module that allows users to block their lost or stolen mobile phones across all telecom networks in India.
Each phone has a unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. Once a device is reported stolen or lost, you can easily block its IMEI via the portal. This way it is ensured that the phone becomes unusable on any mobile network in India, even if the SIM is changed.
Steps to Block Lost or Stolen Mobile Phones
Visit https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/ and go to the “Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile” section.
Register a complaint with the police & maintain the record of the complaint number.
Mention details like mobile number, IMEI number, device model, and identity proof.
Post verification, the Department of Telecommunication will block the IMEI across all telecom operators, rendering the phone useless.
2. Examine Mobile Connections Registered In Your Name (TAFCOP Module)
The Sanchaar Saathi Portal provides the Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Customer Protection Module, which allows users to check all active mobile numbers registered under their name and ID proof in just a few clicks.
Steps to Find all active SIMs registered on your ID
Visit https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/ and choose the ‘Know Your Mobile Connections’ option.
Mention your mobile number and verify the OTP.
The portal displays a list of all SIMs currently active on your ID proof.
3. Report Scams and Fraudulent Calls (Chakshu facility)
The Sanchaar Saath portal offers the Chakshu facility, designed to report and control fraudulent communication cases.
Features of Chakshu Facility
Users can report suspicious calls, SMS, or WhatsApp messages attempting to steal personal information or lure them with fake offers.
People pretending to impersonate legitimate institutions.
Helps identify and block numbers and prevent future fraud.
It doesn't handle financial recovery. Thus, it is crucial to report to the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930).
4. Verification of the Mobile IMEI
Each phone has a unique IMEI number; thus, it is necessary to verify it before buying refurbished or second-hand phones. Scammers sell fake, cloned, and blacklisted phones that may stop working once detected.
Steps to check the IMEI of mobile phones
The following process helps the buyers from scams by ensuring there is no illegal or blacklisted device purchased.
Find the IMEI by dialling *#06# on the device.
Go to the ‘Know Your Mobile Handset’ section on the portal.
Enter the IMEI to check details like manufacturer, model, and if the device is reported stolen.
5. Reporting International Calls with an Indian Number
Scammers use a trick called 'call masking', where an international call appears with an Indian mobile number on your screen. This is done through illegal internet-based exchanges such as VoIP gateways, allowing scammers to divert regulations that deceive people.
The Department of Telecommunication reports the following:
It can report illegal calls
Authorities trace and shut down illegal gateways being misused for fraudulent cases.
How to report scam calls:
1. Sanchaar Saathi Portal
Visit https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/ and use the complaint or reporting section.
2. Utilise Chakshu Facility
This is a recent feature released by Sanchaar Saathi. This typically allows users to report any suspicious scam communication. These communications are facilitated through SMS, WhatsApp, or audio calls.
3. National Cyber Crime Helpline
If any concerned person has already been in such traps, they can call the helpline number 1930 for assistance.
The conclusion
To sum it up, Sanchaar Saathi is the digital shield to keep your digital experience smooth and secure. The portal saves the citizens from falling prey to theft and scams, which in turn protects financial and personal information saved in digital devices. The strong pillars are security, transparency, and fraud prevention, ensuring digital privacy.
Through the CEIR model, users can easily disable the IMEI for blocked or lost phones. This ensures it becomes unusable to all the networks. The TAFCOP module allows subscribers to inspect SIM cards issued under their name to verify the active and inactive numbers.
The Chakshu Facility allows citizens to report fraud, scam calls, and texts. In addition, these help to verify IMEI numbers prior to purchasing a second-hand or refurbished device.
