Sanchar Saathi is a citizen centric portal launched by the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, to help mobile users protect themselves from theft, identity misuse and fraud. It brings several services together at sancharsaathi.gov.in, and a mobile app is also available. Most services need only your mobile number and an OTP, and they are free. Here is what the main modules do and when to use them.
Blocking a lost or stolen phone
If your phone is lost or stolen, the Central Equipment Identity Register service on Sanchar Saathi lets you request blocking of the handset using its IMEI number. Once blocked, the phone cannot be used on Indian mobile networks even with a different SIM, which reduces its value to a thief. You usually need to first file a police complaint and keep its number, get a duplicate SIM for your number, and keep the IMEI from the phone box or purchase invoice. If the phone is recovered, the same portal allows you to request unblocking.
Checking mobile connections in your name
Fraudsters sometimes get SIM cards issued using another person’s identity documents. The portal has a module that shows how many mobile connections are registered against your identity. Log in with your mobile number and OTP to see the list. If you find a number you do not recognise or no longer need, you can report it as not mine or not required, and the operator is asked to take action. Checking this once in a while is a good habit, especially if your documents were ever copied at a shop.
Reporting suspected fraud communication
The Chakshu facility lets you report suspected fraud calls, SMS or WhatsApp messages, such as fake KYC alerts, offers of loans or jobs, threats in the name of police or customs, or links asking for personal details. You can report the number, the time and a screenshot or description. These reports help authorities identify numbers and patterns used for fraud. Chakshu is meant for reporting suspected fraud communication before money is lost. If money has already been lost, call 1930 or file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in.
Checking a handset’s genuineness
Before buying a phone, especially a used one, the Know Your Mobile service lets you check the IMEI to see whether it is valid and whether it has been blacklisted. You can find the IMEI by dialling star hash zero six hash on most phones. A mismatch between the IMEI shown on the phone, the box and the portal is a warning sign that the phone may be stolen or tampered with.
Other services
The portal also lets users report incoming international calls that display an Indian number, which can be a sign of illegal telecom setups used by fraudsters. It lists contact details of telecom operators and offers information on wireline internet service providers. Services and their names are updated over time, so check the portal for the current list.
Tips for safe use
Use only the official domain sancharsaathi.gov.in or the official app from the Play Store or App Store. Do not share the OTP you receive while using the portal with anyone. Keep a note of your phone’s IMEI and save the invoice in a safe place, because you will need them if the phone is ever lost. Keep the police complaint number and request ID for any blocking request, so that you can track or reverse it later.
In short, Sanchar Saathi is the government’s one stop portal for mobile security: block lost phones, see SIMs issued in your name, report suspected fraud communication and check a handset before buying. It is free, simple and worth bookmarking.
Also Read: 112 Emergency Number in India: How ERSS Works, the 112 India App and Panic Button
Source: Sanchar Saathi portal, Department of Telecommunications
