REPORT SUSPECTED FRAUD COMMUNICATION (CHAKSHU)
1,43,942
inputs received
2,39,442
action taken
Citizen Centric Services
About Sanchar Saathi
Sanchar Saathi portal is a citizen centric initiative of Department of Telecommunications to empower mobile subscribers, strengthen their security and increase awareness about citizen centric initiatives of the Government. Sanchar Saathi empowers citizens by allowing them to know the mobile connections issued in their name, get disconnected the connections either not taken by them or not required by them, block and trace stolen/lost mobile phones and check genuineness of devices while buying a new/old mobile phone. Sanchar Saathi facilitates citizens for reporting suspected fraud communication and Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC) or spam. Sanchar Saathi contains various facilities like Chakshu, CEIR, TAFCOP, KYM, RICWIN, KYI etc.
In addition, Keep Yourself Aware facility provides latest updates and awareness material on different aspects related to end user security, telecom and information security.
Chakshu - Report Suspected Fraud Communication
Chakshu facilitates citizens to report the suspected or unsolicited communications received through call, SMS or WhatsApp which are intended for cyber-crime, financial frauds, impersonation, fake customer services / lottery offer / loan offer / job offer / installation of mobile tower / disconnection of services or KYC update / loan etc. or any other misuse. Such proactive reporting of suspected fraud communication helps Department of Telecommunications in prevention of misuse of telecom resources for cyber-crime, financial frauds etc.
It may be noted that 'Chakshu' is not a facility for reporting about financial fraud or cyber-crime cases. In case, someone has already lost money due to financial fraud or is a victim of cyber-crime, it is suggested to report at cyber-crime helpline number 1930 or website https://www.cybercrime.gov.in.
Chakshu - Report Unsolicited Commercial Communication
Chakshu facilitates citizens to report UCC or spam received through Voice Call or SMS which is not as per the consent given by recipient to sender or as per registered preference (s). UCC / Spam are dealt as per The Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulation (TCCCPR), 2018 regulations of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
Any complaint made within 3 days of receiving UCC / Spam are considered valid complaints and further investigation is done by the telecom service providers and may lead to action against sender. The complaints made beyond 3 days of receiving UCC / Spam are considered Reports. These reports may not lead to action against the sender at first hand but would aid in finding such spammers proactively.
Chakshu facilitates citizens to report the suspected or unsolicited communications received through call, SMS or WhatsApp which are intended for cyber-crime, financial frauds, impersonation, fake customer services / lottery offer / loan offer / job offer / installation of mobile tower / disconnection of services or KYC update / loan etc. or any other misuse. Such proactive reporting of suspected fraud communication helps Department of Telecommunications in prevention of misuse of telecom resources for cyber-crime, financial frauds etc.
It may be noted that 'Chakshu' is not a facility for reporting about financial fraud or cyber-crime cases. In case, someone has already lost money due to financial fraud or is a victim of cyber-crime, it is suggested to report at cyber-crime helpline number 1930 or website https://www.cybercrime.gov.in.
Chakshu - Report Unsolicited Commercial Communication
Chakshu facilitates citizens to report UCC or spam received through Voice Call or SMS which is not as per the consent given by recipient to sender or as per registered preference (s). UCC / Spam are dealt as per The Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulation (TCCCPR), 2018 regulations of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
Any complaint made within 3 days of receiving UCC / Spam are considered valid complaints and further investigation is done by the telecom service providers and may lead to action against sender. The complaints made beyond 3 days of receiving UCC / Spam are considered Reports. These reports may not lead to action against the sender at first hand but would aid in finding such spammers proactively.
CEIR module facilitates tracing of the lost/stolen mobile devices. This also facilitates
blocking of lost/stolen mobile devices in network of all telecom operators so that lost/stolen
devices cannot be used in India. If anyone tries to use the blocked mobile phone, its traceability
is generated. Once mobile phone is found it may be unblocked on the portal for its normal use by
the citizens.
TAFCOP module facilitates a mobile subscriber to check the number of mobile connections
taken in his/her name. It also facilitates to report the mobile connection(s) which are
either not required or not taken by the subscriber.
Through KYM, you can check the validity of your mobile device even before buying it.
IMEI is written on the mobile packaging box. It could be found on the mobile
bill/invoice. From your mobile you can check the IMEI number by dialling *#06#, IMEI number
will be shown on mobile screen. If the status of the mobile is shown as Black-listed, duplicate
or already in use, please avoid buying the mobile. KYM could be used through 3 methods:
via SMS, via KYM app or via Web Portal.
RICWIN module facilitates citizens to report the incoming international calls received
with local Indian number (+91-xxxxxxxxxx). RICWIN enables citizens to be government’s
eye to report such calls for busting/unearthing suspected illegal telecom setups which
cause loss to Government's exchequer and pose threat to national security.
Know Your Wireline Internet Service Provider (KYI) module facilitates citizens to
check the details of Wireline Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
The module enables the citizens to search for presence of any ISP across
the length and breadth of the country by entering PIN code, address or name
of the ISP.
Keep yourself aware
Frequently Asked Questions
Sanchar Saathi portal is a citizen centric initiative of Department of Telecommunications
to empower mobile subscribers, strengthen their security and increase awareness about
citizen centric initiatives of the Government. Sanchar Saathi empowers citizens by allowing
them to know the mobile connections issued in their name, get disconnected the connections
not required by them, block/trace lost mobile phones and check genuineness of devices
while buying a new/old mobile phone.
Sanchar Saathi contains various modules like CEIR, TAFCOP etc.
CEIR module facilitates tracing of the lost/stolen mobile devices. This also facilitates
blocking of lost/stolen mobile devices in network of all telecom operators so that lost/stolen
devices cannot be used in India. If anyone tries to use the blocked mobile phone, its traceability
is generated. Once mobile phone is found it may be unblocked on the portal for its normal use by
the citizens.
TAFCOP module facilitates a mobile subscriber to check the number of mobile connections
taken in his/her name. It also facilitates to report the mobile connection(s) which are
either not required or not taken by the subscriber.
'Know Your Wireline ISP (KYI)' facilitates citizens to check the details of Wireline
Internet Service Providers in their area to get internet services.
RICWIN facilitates citizens to report about the international calls received by them with local Indian number
(+91-xxxxxxxxxx) starting with +91 and having 10 digits excluding +91. Such international calls are received
by illegal telecom setups over internet from foreign country and sent to Indian citizens disguising as domestic
calls. Reporting about such calls helps the Government to act against illegal telecom exchanges which are causing
financial loss to the Government's exchequer and posing threat to national security.
Chakshu facilitates citizens to report the suspected fraud communications with the
intention of defrauding telecom service users for cyber-crime, financial
frauds, non-bonafide purpose like impersonation or any other misuse
through Call, SMS or WhatsApp. Few examples of suspected fraud communications are
communication related to Bank Account / Payment Wallet / SIM / Gas connection /
Electricity connection / KYC update / expiry / deactivation, impersonation as
Government official / relative, sextortion related etc.
Chakshu facilitates citizens to report the suspected or unsolicited communications received
through call, SMS or WhatsApp which are intended for cyber-crime, financial frauds, impersonation,
fake customer services / lottery offer / loan offer / job offer / installation of mobile tower /
disconnection of services or KYC update / loan etc. or any other misuse. Such proactive reporting
of suspected fraud communication helps Department of Telecommunications in prevention of misuse of
telecom resources for cyber-crime, financial frauds etc.
Suspected or unsolicited communications received through call, SMS or WhatsApp which
are intended for cyber-crime, financial frauds, impersonation, fake customer services /
lottery offer / loan offer / job offer / installation of mobile tower / disconnection
of services or KYC update / loan etc. or any other misuse. Some of the suspected
communication, received by the users, are related to frauds in the name of the following:
- KYC related to Bank/Electricity/ Gas/ Insurance policy etc.
- Impersonation as Government official / relative.
- Fake Customer Care Helpline.
- Online job / lottery /gifts/loan offers.
- Sextortion.
- Multiple automated / robo communication.
- Malicious link / website.
Voice call, SMS, WhatsApp message or WhatsApp call where the sender’s mobile / landline number is visible.
Following steps are to be taken:
- Visit Sanchar Saathi portal at www.sancharsaathi.gov.in
- Click Citizen Centric Services and then click on 'Chakshu - Report Suspected Fraud Communication'.
- Select the medium and category of suspected fraud communication.
- Provide the details of suspected fraud communication. Screenshot of the communication received may also be uploaded which is optional.
- Verify your mobile number with OTP and enter your name.
- Click submit button to submit the request.
Department of Telecommunications, after verification of the reported event, act against the
sender of suspected fraud communication as per departmental procedure which may include reverification
of the subscriber, disconnection and filing of police complaints/FIRs, if required.
Disclaimer - Reporting of suspected fraud communication at 'Chakshu' helps Department of Telecommunications in prevention of misuse of telecom resources for cyber-crime, financial frauds etc. However, Department of Telecommunications does not undertake to act against the reported suspected fraud communication sender.
Disclaimer - Reporting of suspected fraud communication at 'Chakshu' helps Department of Telecommunications in prevention of misuse of telecom resources for cyber-crime, financial frauds etc. However, Department of Telecommunications does not undertake to act against the reported suspected fraud communication sender.
Department of Telecommunications ensures the confidentiality of the vigilant
citizen reporting about suspected fraud communication and helping government to act
against such suspected fraud communication.
Department of Telecommunications may initiate suitable action including reverification
of the subscribers reporting non-genuine suspected fraud communication, blocking of such
subscriber for reporting etc.
Chakshu - Report UCC facilitates citizens to report UCC or spam received
through Voice Call or SMS which is not as per the consent given by
recipient to sender or as per registered preference(s).
UCC or Spam is an unwanted message received through message or voice call.
To be UCC or Spam, the message/call should:
- Not be as per the consent given by recipient to sender.
- Not be as per registered preference (s) of recipient.
Calls or messages received from registered senders which are not spam or UCC.
Further, some organisations can send you messages or calls without permission
when such communication is in public interest. These may include:
- Central Government or
- State Government or
- Bodies established under the Constitution
Unregistered Telemarketer (UTM) means any Sender of commercial communication who
is not registered for the purpose of telemarketing with the service provider(s).
Subscriber, who is making communications using 10 digit numbers other than starting
with 140xxxxx or 160xxxx, will be considered as UTM. If any sender is engaged in
sending unsolicited commercial communications from 10 digit number and complaint
received against it then, service providers are bound to take action against
such sender as under:-
- for first instance of violation, a warning shall be given
- for the second instance of violation, Usage Cap shall continue for a period of six months;
- for third and subsequent instances of violations, all telecom resources of the sender shall be disconnected for a period up to two years and access provider shall put the sender under blacklist category and communicate to all other access providers to not to allocate new telecom resources to such sender for up to two years from the date of such communication
Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations (TCCCPR) 2018 of
TRAI govern the UCC or spam. TCCCPR, 2018 on one hand protects customers from UCC
and on the other hand aids principal entities to send commercial communication to
those customers who have opted their services or set their preferences to allow
such communications.
Please visit https://trai.gov.in/tcccpr to know more details.
Please visit https://trai.gov.in/tcccpr to know more details.
- Don't tick subscribe boxes when completing online forms.
- Don't provide mobile number to potential spamming source.
- Register your preference to manage who can send commercial communication to you. Please visit https://trai.gov.in/preference-registration to know more on how to modify preference.
- Manage consent given to entities who are sending commercial communication. Please visit https://trai.gov.in/manage-your-consent to know more on how to revoke consent.
To avoid the inconvenience caused by UCC, a telecom subscriber can opt to block all
commercial communications or can selectively block commercial communications as per
preference categories. Various modes of registration of the preferences such as
TRAI DND App, sending SMS to short code 1909 and calling on 1909 and through
Telecom Service Provider (TSP) have been prescribed. Access providers (TSP) are
required to make the Customer Preference Registration Facility (CPRF) available
for the customers to register their preferences throughout the year on
24 hours x 7 days basis.
A telecom subscriber can register preference to manage who can send commercial
communication to his/ her. Preference Choices includes:
For more details, please visit https://trai.gov.in/preference-registration.
- categories of Commercial Communication
- Mode(s) of communication
- Time Band(s)
- Types of Day(s) of the week including public and national holiday(s)
For more details, please visit https://trai.gov.in/preference-registration.
- Sending SMS to short code 1909; or
- Calling on 1909; or
- Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS); or
- TRAI DND App
- Through Your Telecom Service Provider
For more details, please visit https://trai.gov.in/preference-registration .
One can make complaint or report in case the message or call received is UCC or spam.
Any complaint made within 3 days from the date of UCC / Spam are considered valid complaints.
These complaints are entitled for further investigation and may lead to action against
senders. E.g. if UCC / Spam is received on 15/04/2021 one must complain before 18/04/2021.
The complaints made beyond 3 days of receiving UCC / Spam are considered Reports. These reports may not lead to action against the sender at first hand but would aid in finding such spammers proactively.
The complaints made beyond 3 days of receiving UCC / Spam are considered Reports. These reports may not lead to action against the sender at first hand but would aid in finding such spammers proactively.
- Through Chakshu facility of Sanchar Saathi portal; or
- Sending SMS to short code 1909; or
- Calling on 1909; or
- Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS); or
- TRAI DND App; or
- Through Your Telecom Service Provider
Following steps are to be taken:
- Visit Sanchar Saathi portal at www.sancharsaathi.gov.in.
- Click Citizen Centric Services and then click on 'Chakshu - Report Suspected Fraud Communication & UCC'.
- Select the medium and category of UCC.
- Provide the details of UCC. Screenshot of the communication received may also be uploaded which is optional.
- Verify your mobile number with OTP and enter your name.
- Click submit button to submit the request.
These complains and reports are provided to the Telecom Service Providers
for acting against the sender as per TCCCPR, 2018. A complaint ID will be
shared after a complaint.
To check the status following may be visited for your Telecom Service Provider:
AIRTEL - https://u.airtel.in/c_srtrck
BSNL - https://www.ucc-bsnl.co.in/customers
RJIL - https://www.jio.com/track_sr_status
VIL - https://vi.app.link/CompH
AIRTEL - https://u.airtel.in/c_srtrck
BSNL - https://www.ucc-bsnl.co.in/customers
RJIL - https://www.jio.com/track_sr_status
VIL - https://vi.app.link/CompH
Header means an alphanumeric string of maximum eleven characters or numbers
assigned to an individual, business or legal entity under these regulations
to send commercial communications. Header is assigned to an individual,
business or legal entity to send commercial communications. Typical format and
structure of the header with prefixes is as follows: XY- ABCDEF.
X denotes TSP (OAP) Ex: A for Airtel, J for Jio, etc. Y denotes License Service Area (LSA of OAP) Ex: D for Delhi ABCDEF is a header assigned to the Principal Entity
For more details please visit: https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/Detail_Header_Prefixes_16062020.pdf. Information about the sender is available at https://smsheader.trai.gov.in/..
X denotes TSP (OAP) Ex: A for Airtel, J for Jio, etc. Y denotes License Service Area (LSA of OAP) Ex: D for Delhi ABCDEF is a header assigned to the Principal Entity
For more details please visit: https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/Detail_Header_Prefixes_16062020.pdf. Information about the sender is available at https://smsheader.trai.gov.in/..
The IMEI uniquely identifies an individual mobile device. The IMEI is unique to every Mobile
Equipment [“ME”] and thereby provides a means for controlling access to GSM networks based
on ME Model or individual units. The IMEI consists of a number of fields totaling 15 digits
having digits from 0 to 9. The first eight digits are called Type Approval Code (TAC).
The GSMA is the allocation authority for IMEI number which is allocated by authorised
reporting bodies that allocates the TAC number to manufacturer, brand owners etc. Mobile
phone manufacturers assign IMEI numbers to each device based on TAC number allotted to them
by the Reporting bodies appointed by Global System for Mobile Communications Association
(GSMA). Dual SIM phones will have two IMEI numbers.
User can dial *#06# in their device to check the IMEI number allotted to the mobile devices.
User can verify their IMEI details by sending SMS “KYM<15 digit IMEI number>” to 14422.
IMEI verification message provides information about the manufacturer, device
type, brand name, and model number.
Mobile Phones with all Nulls or Zeros or invalid IMEI numbers are not allowed to work
on Telecom Network.
Mobile Manufacturer/Brand Owner is required to implant genuine IMEI number as allocated
by reporting bodies of GSMA in mobile devices at the time of manufacturing.
An Equipment Identity Register [“EIR”] is a network entity used in GSM networks that stores
lists of IMEI numbers, which correspond to physical handsets and not to subscribers. Every mobile
network in India has an EIR. The mobile network operator’s primary tool used to prevent the connection
and use of stolen or counterfeited devices is the Equipment Identity Register (EIR), which contains a
domestic blacklist and the sharing and consolidation of blacklists from multiple operators from various
jurisdictions via the GSMA’s IMEI Database. These capabilities are used to block devices from receiving
service based on the IMEI transmitted by the device to the mobile network.
A Central Equipment Identity Register [“CEIR”] is a centralised database of mobile equipment identifiers
(i.e. IMEI for networks of GSM standard). Such an identifier is assigned to each SIM slot of the mobile
device. Such a CEIR may include the following lists:
The CEIR acts as a central system for all network operators connected to their EIRs to share blacklisted mobile devices so that devices blacklisted in one network will not work on other networks even if the SIM card in the device is changed.
- White list for devices that are allowed to register in a cellular network,
- Black list for devices that are prohibited registration in a cellular network, and
- Grey for devices in intermediate status (i.e. when it is not yet defined whether the device should be placed in the white list or the blacklist).
The CEIR acts as a central system for all network operators connected to their EIRs to share blacklisted mobile devices so that devices blacklisted in one network will not work on other networks even if the SIM card in the device is changed.
The CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) is a centralized system implemented to
manage and track mobile devices using their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI)
numbers. It will help in combating mobile device theft and misuse.
As per 3GPP TS 22.016 version 15.0.0 Release 15The IMEI shall be unique and shall not be changed
after the ME’s final production process. Over the past few years technology has become more secure
& Brand owners are doing best-case efforts to deliver fool proof devices to customers.
It shall be unlawful, if a person except the manufacturer:
- Intentionally removes, obliterates, change or alter unique Mobile Device Equipment Identification number; or
- Intentionally use, produce, traffic in, have control or custody of, or possess hardware or software knowing it has been configured as above.
Consumer are advised to purchase the device from authorized sources, verify the IMEI as per
the process outlined above, keep his devices secure with strong passwords or biometric
authentication, use only authorized service center for repairs. Repairs at unauthorized
repair center may lead to malicious activity with the mobile handset including tempering of
IMEI. In such cases or when handset is lost\stolen, the consumer should immediately notify the
Law enforcement agencies.
The user should block the IMEI of their phone if it has been lost/stolen.
The user can block the phone's IMEI by any one of the following means:
- Through a form submitted on this website. The procedure to do it is as follows: -
- File a report with the police, and keep a copy of the report.
- Get a duplicate SIM Card for the lost number from your telecom service provider (eg, Airtel, Jio, Voda/Idea, BSNL, MTNL etc.). This is essential because you will need to provide this as the primary mobile number (OTP will be sent on this number) while submitting the request for blocking your IMEI.
Note: As per TRAI's regulation, SMS facility on re-issued SIMs is enabled after 24 hours of SIM activation. - Get your documents ready - a copy of police report and an Identity Proof must be provided. You can also provide the mobile purchase invoice.
- Fill out the request registration form for blocking the IMEI of lost/stolen phone, and attach the required documents. Click here to go to the form.
- After submitting the form, you will be given a Request ID. The same can be used for checking the status of your request and for unblocking the IMEI in future.
- Through State Police.
After the successful submission of blocking request, the user's phone is blocked within 24 hours. After the phone
has been blocked, it cannot be used on any network across India.
Note: This does not prevent the police from tracking the lost/stolen phone.
Note: This does not prevent the police from tracking the lost/stolen phone.
The user should unblock the IMEI of their phone only if it has been found and is in possession of the user.
To unblock a lost/stolen phone's IMEI, the user has to report to local Police that it is found.
After that user can unblock the phone by any one of the following means:
- Through a form submitted on this website. The procedure to do it is as follows: -
- Fill out the request registration form for unblocking the IMEI of found phone. Click here to go to the form.
- After submitting the form, the IMEI will be unblocked.
To register a complaint, follow the given procedures: -
- Fill out the Complaint Registration Form. Click here to go to the form.
- After submitting the form, a unique Complaint ID will be generated.
- The form details will be mailed to your given mail ID as well.
- Save the Complaint ID and Registered Mobile Number for further use.
To check the complaint status, follow the given procedures: -
- Fill the Complaint ID and registered mobile number in the Complaint Status Form. Click here to go to the form.
- A 6-digit OTP will be sent to registered mobile number. Confirm the OTP received.
- Submit the form and the Complaint Details will be available to you.
An individual subscriber can acquire maximum 9 mobile connections in total from all the
Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) in India. This restriction is 6 for subscribers in J&K,
Assam and North Eastern states.
Following steps are to be taken:-
- Visit Sanchar Saathi portal.
- Login into the portal by using the OTP received on the mobile number.
- Go through the mobile connections and check the option ‘This is not my number’ or ‘Not required’ against the mobile connection(s) to be reported.
- Click the ‘Report’ button to submit the request.
The mobile connections reported as 'This is not my number' or 'Not Required' are flagged for
re-verification by the service provider.
Re-verification is the process of confirming the identity of the existing subscriber with
the records available with the service provider. This may be done by using any of the digital
methods available. The photograph of subscriber and his/her Proof of Identity (PoI) document
is compared with the existing records to ascertain the identity of actual user. It is not
necessary that the subscriber requires to submit the same PoI document as submitted while
obtaining the mobile connection. Any specified PoI document can be submitted. The verification
shall be for the identity of the subscriber.
Timelines for various activities for the mobile SIMs which are flagged for re-verification are as under:-
- Outgoing services shall be suspended within 30 days.
- Incoming services shall be suspended within 45 days.
- Disconnection of mobile connection which failed in re-verification within 60 days.
Such mobile connections are disconnected by the respective service provider.
Mobile connection is non-transferable. The change in name between the blood relatives/legal
heirs is permitted subject to no objection from the existing subscriber and submission of
new Customer Acquisition Form (CAF) and following the procedure of registering new subscriber.
A new SIM Card is issued in such cases. For this process the service provider can be
contacted by the subscriber.
No, the MNP shall be initiated after its re-verification is completed.
Mobile connection(s) activated chronologically which are more than the prescribed limit will be disconnected by the Service Provider.
In such cases police complaint/FIR shall be lodged against such subscriber.
These calls conceal the identity of original calling party. The number
displayed during such international calls are manipulated.
Following steps are to be taken:-
- Visit Sanchar Saathi portal at www.sancharsaathi.gov.in
- Visit the Citizen Centric Services and click on Report International Call with Indian Number (RICWIN).
- Verify your mobile number with OTP and enter the details of received international call i.e. number displayed, date and time.
- Submit the request by clicking submit button.
Department of Telecommunications, after verification, act to detect if any illegal
telecom exchange is working and if so, necessary action is taken.
Department of Telecommunications ensures the confidentiality of the vigilant citizen reporting
about such calls and helping government to detect the illegal telecom exchanges.
The licenses/authorizations for internet service are given by DoT for three different
categories namely, Category 'A', Category 'B' and Category 'C'. The service area for Category
'A' authorization is pan-India. The service area for Category 'B' authorization is the Telecom
Circle/Metro area as attached.
The service area for Category 'C' authorization is the Secondary Switching Area (SSA)
as attached.
Citizens can search wireline ISPs based on the name of ISP, PIN Code or address of
the service area.
Following steps are to be taken:-
- Visit Sanchar Saathi portal at www.sancharsaathi.gov.in
- Visit the Citizen Centric Services and click on 'Know Your Wireline ISP' (KYI).
- Search the details of ISPs based on name of ISP, PIN Code or address of the service area.
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