Sanchar Saathi is the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India's official citizen portal for mobile and telecom safety. It brings several government services together to help people check mobile connections registered in their names, block lost or stolen handsets, verify mobile phone genuineness and report suspicious calls or messages.
Through the Sanchar Saathi official portal, citizens can access different telecom-related facilities without searching for separate government websites. The platform also provides fraud-awareness information, official documents, service FAQs and support details.
This guide explains what the Sanchar Saathi portal is, which department manages it, what services it provides, how its website and mobile app work, and when citizens should use another government reporting platform.
What Is the Sanchar Saathi Portal?
Sanchar Saathi is a citizen-centric initiative of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), under the Ministry of Communications, Government of India. It provides a common digital platform through which mobile subscribers can access official services related to telecom security, mobile connections, handset verification and suspicious communications.
The government launched the Sanchar Saathi portal on 16 May 2023. Later, the Department of Telecommunications introduced its mobile application on 17 January 2025, giving users another way to access the initiative's services.
You can visit the official website at sancharsaathi.gov.in. The portal connects citizens with dedicated government service modules, including CEIR for lost or stolen mobile handsets and TAFCOP for checking mobile connections registered in a person's name.
Sanchar Saathi addresses several problems associated with mobile and telecom services. These include unauthorised mobile connections, handset theft, questionable device identifiers, fraudulent communications and unsolicited commercial calls or messages.
In addition to these facilities, the portal provides trusted contact details of participating financial institutions and information about licensed wireline internet service providers. It also publishes awareness material to help people recognise common fraud methods.
Who Runs Sanchar Saathi and Why Was It Created?
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which functions under the Ministry of Communications, Government of India, manages the Sanchar Saathi initiative. The portal's official pages identify the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) as its designer, developer and host.
The department introduced this initiative to empower mobile subscribers, improve telecom security and increase public awareness about the misuse of mobile connections and telecom resources.
Fraudsters may misuse mobile connections obtained through forged documents, use suspicious numbers for fraudulent communications or exploit stolen mobile devices. Such activities can affect ordinary mobile users and may also support cybercrime and financial fraud.
Sanchar Saathi gives citizens official channels to report suspected telecom misuse and access relevant verification services. The information submitted by users can help the Department of Telecommunications and other concerned authorities identify suspicious activities and take appropriate action through their respective processes.
The initiative also promotes public participation in telecom security. Instead of relying on unverified customer-care numbers or links received through suspicious messages, users can visit the official portal and select the relevant government facility.
Who Can Use the Sanchar Saathi Portal?
Sanchar Saathi primarily serves mobile subscribers in India. However, its different facilities can be useful to several categories of users, depending on their requirements.
- Mobile subscribers: People who want to check which mobile connections are registered in their names.
- Owners of lost or stolen phones: People who need to report a missing handset for blocking and subsequent tracing.
- Mobile phone buyers: People who want to verify a handset's IMEI-related status before purchasing a new or second-hand device.
- Recipients of suspicious communications: People who receive suspected fraudulent calls, messages or unwanted commercial communications.
- People checking financial contact details: Users who want to find official contact information provided by participating banks and financial institutions.
- Wireline internet users: People who want to find information about licensed wireline internet service providers in an area.
Not every facility has the same access requirements. Some information is publicly available, while certain searches, requests and reports require mobile-number verification or other relevant details.
Services Available on the Sanchar Saathi Portal
The Sanchar Saathi homepage brings together multiple citizen services under one platform. These services address different telecom-related concerns, so users should select the facility that matches their particular requirement.
The following table provides an overview of the main services listed on the portal.
| Official service | Main purpose | Official service link |
|---|---|---|
| Chakshu | Report suspected fraudulent communications and unsolicited commercial communications through the appropriate reporting options. | Open Chakshu |
| Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile Handset | Access facilities for blocking a lost or stolen handset, unblocking a recovered device and checking request status. | Open CEIR services |
| Know Mobile Connections in Your Name | Review mobile connections issued in your name and report unfamiliar or unwanted connections. | Open TAFCOP |
| Know Genuineness of Your Mobile Handset | Check handset information using its International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. | Open handset verification |
| Report Incoming International Call with Indian Number | Report suspected international calls that display an Indian telephone number as the calling number. | Open international call reporting |
| Know Your Wireline Internet Service Provider | Find information about licensed wireline internet service providers serving an area. | Open wireline ISP information |
| Trusted Contact Details | Check official contact information supplied by participating banks and financial institutions. | Open trusted contact details |
The Sanchar Saathi homepage currently marks Know Your Wireline ISP and Trusted Contact Details as Beta services. Their availability and features may change as the department develops these facilities. Users should check the respective official pages for the latest instructions.
1. Chakshu - Report Suspected Fraud Communications
Chakshu is a reporting facility available through Sanchar Saathi. It allows citizens to report suspected fraudulent communications received through calls, SMS and other supported communication channels.
People may come across calls or messages involving fake customer-care representatives, impersonation, fraudulent KYC updates, suspicious payment requests, fake government officials or other misleading claims. Reporting such communications through the appropriate Chakshu option helps the Department of Telecommunications collect information about suspected misuse of telecom resources.
The portal also provides a route for reporting unsolicited commercial communications (UCC), commonly associated with unwanted promotional calls and messages. Users should select the appropriate reporting category because suspected fraud communication and unwanted commercial communication are not necessarily the same type of report.
Visit the official Chakshu facility to check its current reporting options and instructions.
Important: Chakshu is not a substitute for reporting a financial cyber fraud in which money has already been lost. In such cases, contact the bank or payment service provider immediately and report the incident through the appropriate cybercrime channel.
2. Block Your Lost or Stolen Mobile Handset
Sanchar Saathi provides access to the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), a government facility for reporting lost or stolen mobile handsets. A mobile phone has an IMEI number that helps identify the device on mobile networks.
Through the CEIR facility, users can submit a request to block a lost or stolen handset. The service also provides options to unblock a handset after recovery and check the status of a submitted request.
Blocking a handset helps prevent its use on mobile networks in India, subject to the applicable system and network processes. The service also supports tracing-related action through the concerned telecom and law-enforcement processes.
Sanchar Saathi provides a dedicated CEIR service page, from where users can access the relevant handset-related options.
For more information about the service, users can also visit the official CEIR portal.
3. Know Mobile Connections in Your Name
The Sanchar Saathi initiative also allows mobile subscribers to check the mobile connections issued in their names. This facility operates through TAFCOP, which helps users identify connections they may not recognise or no longer require.
Checking registered mobile connections is useful because a person may have forgotten an old connection or may discover a number that they never obtained. An unfamiliar connection deserves attention, particularly when the subscriber does not remember requesting it.
After checking the available connection details, users can report an unfamiliar or unwanted connection through the options provided by the service. The concerned telecom service provider and authorities handle the request through the applicable verification process.
Citizens can access this facility through the official TAFCOP portal.
4. Know the Genuineness of Your Mobile Handset
Sanchar Saathi provides a handset verification facility that helps users check device information through its International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number.
The IMEI is a unique identification number assigned to a mobile device. It helps identify the handset and is particularly relevant when checking a phone before purchasing it, including a second-hand device.
Users can generally find the IMEI number on the mobile phone's packaging, purchase invoice or device information. They can also dial *#06# on the handset to display its IMEI number.
The government provides two ways to use the Know Your Mobile (KYM) facility:
- SMS method: Type KYM followed by the 15-digit IMEI number and send it to 14422.
- Online method: Use the handset verification facility available through the official Sanchar Saathi/CEIR system.
If the result shows that the device is blacklisted, duplicated or already in use, buyers should avoid purchasing it until they resolve the issue through the appropriate official channel.
Check the official handset genuineness facility for the available verification options.
Remember that an IMEI check verifies relevant device information. It does not scan the phone for malware, spyware or other software-related security problems.
5. Report Incoming International Calls Displaying Indian Numbers
Sanchar Saathi provides a facility for reporting suspected incoming international calls that display an Indian telephone number as the calling line identification.
Such calls may involve caller ID spoofing, where the displayed number does not accurately represent the actual origin of the call. Fraudsters may use this technique to make an international call appear to come from an Indian number.
Users who receive such suspicious calls can visit the dedicated reporting page and follow the instructions provided by the Department of Telecommunications.
Use the official international call reporting facility to submit the relevant information.
6. Know Your Wireline Internet Service Provider
The Know Your Wireline Internet Service Provider facility helps users find information about licensed wireline internet service providers operating in an area.
This information can be useful when a household or business wants to explore available wired broadband service providers. Instead of relying only on advertisements or third-party listings, users can consult the government portal for the relevant provider information.
The portal currently identifies this facility as a Beta service. Therefore, users should check the official page for the latest availability and details.
Visit Know Your Wireline Internet Service Provider to access the facility.
7. Trusted Contact Details of Banks and Financial Institutions
Sanchar Saathi also provides a Trusted Contact Details facility. It helps users find contact information supplied by participating banks and financial institutions.
When people receive suspicious calls or messages claiming to represent a bank or financial institution, they may struggle to identify the genuine customer-care channel. Using an official contact directory can help them locate the relevant institution's listed telephone number, email address or website.
Users should still remain cautious. Finding a genuine contact number in the directory does not prove that an incoming call is genuine. A fraudster may impersonate an institution even when the institution's official contact details are available online.
The portal currently marks this facility as Beta. Visit the official Trusted Contact Details page to check the information available.
Other Important Features and Information Available on Sanchar Saathi
Sanchar Saathi is not limited to its main citizen services. The portal also provides information and supporting facilities that help users understand telecom-related risks, identify the correct reporting channel and find official guidance.
Citizen Centric Services and Public Dashboards
The Citizen Centric Services section acts as the main access point for the portal's facilities. Users can select the relevant service according to whether they want to report suspicious communication, check mobile connections, verify a handset or take action regarding a lost phone.
The portal also publishes dashboards containing information about activities such as handset blocking, tracing and citizen requests. These figures help visitors understand the work carried out through the initiative.
Dashboard figures can change as the department processes new requests and updates its records. Also, different figures may represent different stages or outcomes. For example, the number of blocked handsets and the number of traced handsets should not be treated as the same measurement.
Keep Yourself Aware - Telecom and Fraud Awareness
The Keep Yourself Aware section provides educational material about common fraud methods and suspicious activities. It helps users recognise warning signs before sharing personal information, responding to a call or making a payment.
The awareness material covers topics such as:
- Fake loan applications and loan-related fraud.
- Investment scams and misleading financial offers.
- Fake job offers and recruitment-related fraud.
- Parcel delivery scams and suspicious delivery messages.
- Fake traffic challan messages.
- SMS bombarding and unwanted communication.
- Jump deposit fraud and other suspicious transaction methods.
The section also features Tales of Sanchar Sakhi, which presents awareness information through stories in English and Hindi.
These resources can help people understand how fraudsters approach potential victims and what warning signs they should look for. Users can also explore related information on spam, telecom services and cyber safety.
Frequently Asked Questions and Important Documents
The Sanchar Saathi portal provides service-specific FAQs to explain the purpose, requirements and available options of its different facilities. Before submitting a request, users can consult the relevant FAQ section to understand the service's conditions and limitations.
The portal also maintains an Important Documents section. It provides access to government releases and other supporting material related to the initiative.
Users should check the publication date of a document before relying on it. Government instructions and service procedures can change, and an older document may not describe the latest position.
Report Cyber Fraud Trends
The Report Cyber Fraud Trends facility allows citizens to share observations about emerging fraud methods. It provides a way to communicate information about suspicious trends that people notice in their daily lives.
This facility is intended for feedback about fraud trends. The portal specifically clarifies that users should not use it to report spam or unsolicited commercial communications. Such reports should go through the relevant Chakshu reporting option.
It is also important to understand that the fraud-trend feedback facility does not replace a formal cybercrime complaint or a financial fraud reporting channel.
Visit the Report Cyber Fraud Trends page for the official instructions.
AI Sanchar Saathi Assistance
The Sanchar Saathi portal includes an AI-based assistant to help visitors find information about the initiative and its services. Users can ask questions about the portal and seek basic guidance about the available facilities.
Since the assistant provides automated responses, users should confirm important instructions on the relevant official service page. This is particularly important when submitting a request, reporting suspected fraud or following a procedure that may have changed.
As a general security precaution, do not share OTPs, passwords, banking credentials, card details or other sensitive authentication information in a chat.
Sanchar Saathi Website and Mobile App
The Department of Telecommunications provides Sanchar Saathi in two forms: an official web portal and a mobile application. Both provide access to the initiative's citizen-centric telecom safety facilities.
The department launched the Sanchar Saathi mobile app on 17 January 2025. The application provides convenient access to services such as reporting suspected communications, checking mobile connections registered in a user's name, and accessing facilities for lost or stolen handsets.
Users can download the application through the official app stores:
People who do not want to install the application can continue to access the available services through the official Sanchar Saathi website.
Is the Sanchar Saathi App Mandatory?
No. The government withdrew the mandatory pre-installation requirement for the Sanchar Saathi mobile app on 3 December 2025.
The Department of Telecommunications had issued directions on 28 November 2025 regarding pre-installation of the app on mobile handsets. However, the government subsequently decided not to make pre-installation mandatory for mobile manufacturers.
Therefore, users should not assume that every smartphone must have the Sanchar Saathi app pre-installed. Citizens can choose to access the initiative through the website or download the application voluntarily from the official app store.
Read the Government of India's official announcement dated 3 December 2025 for the clarification regarding mandatory pre-installation.
Before installing the application, users should check its publisher, app-store listing, current permissions and privacy information. Avoid downloading APK files from unknown websites or links received through unsolicited messages.
How Sanchar Saathi Differs from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
Sanchar Saathi and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal are both government platforms, but they serve different purposes. Users should understand this distinction because choosing the wrong reporting channel may delay the action they need.
Sanchar Saathi is managed by the Department of Telecommunications and focuses on telecom-related verification, protection, awareness and reporting suspected misuse of telecom resources.
On the other hand, the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and provides the online platform for reporting cybercrime complaints.
| Comparison point | Sanchar Saathi | National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal |
|---|---|---|
| Managing department | Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Main purpose | Telecom safety, mobile connection verification, handset-related services and reporting suspected telecom misuse. | Reporting cybercrime incidents, including online financial fraud and other cyber offences. |
| Examples of services | Chakshu, CEIR, TAFCOP and mobile handset genuineness checks. | Online cybercrime complaint registration and related complaint facilities. |
| Financial cyber fraud | Not the primary platform for filing a financial cybercrime complaint. | Provides the official online reporting route for cybercrime, including financial fraud. |
| Official website | sancharsaathi.gov.in | cybercrime.gov.in |
Where Should You Report Financial Cyber Fraud?
If someone has transferred money from your bank account, UPI account, wallet or another payment method through a cyber fraud, do not rely only on a Chakshu report or the Report Cyber Fraud Trends facility.
Take the following steps as soon as possible:
- Call the national cyber fraud helpline at 1930.
- Immediately inform your bank, payment service provider or relevant financial institution.
- Submit an online complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
- Keep the transaction details, screenshots, messages and complaint acknowledgement available for further communication with the authorities.
Quick reporting can help the concerned authorities and financial institutions take timely action. However, reporting does not guarantee recovery of the lost amount.
What Sanchar Saathi Can and Cannot Do
Sanchar Saathi provides official tools that support mobile and telecom safety. However, users should understand the purpose and limitations of each service before relying on its result.
| What the portal can help with | What users should not assume |
|---|---|
| Check mobile connections issued in a person's name through the available facility. | Do not assume that every unfamiliar connection will be disconnected immediately after submitting a report. |
| Submit a request to block a lost or stolen mobile handset through CEIR. | Do not assume that submitting a request guarantees immediate recovery of the handset. |
| Check relevant handset information through the IMEI-based genuineness facility. | An IMEI check does not scan a device for malware, spyware or other software threats. |
| Report suspected fraudulent communications through Chakshu. | A Chakshu report is not the same as filing a cybercrime complaint or reporting a completed financial loss. |
| Find contact details supplied by participating financial institutions. | A genuine contact-directory entry does not prove that an incoming call is actually from that institution. |
| Access information about licensed wireline internet service providers. | The information does not guarantee that every provider offers service at a particular building or address. |
| Share information about emerging cyber fraud trends through the designated feedback facility. | Trend feedback does not replace formal complaint registration with the appropriate authority. |
Submitting information through the portal is an important step, but the outcome depends on the nature of the report, verification requirements and action taken by the concerned department, telecom service provider or law-enforcement authority.
Official Helpdesk, Feedback and Grievance Support
Citizens who face difficulties while using Sanchar Saathi can refer to the portal's official helpdesk and support information. The website also provides feedback and a dedicated grievance section for eligible cases.
The official contact page lists the following helpdesk details:
| Contact information | Official details |
|---|---|
| Email address | [email protected] |
| Telephone number | 011-20907480 |
| Working days | Monday to Friday |
| Working hours | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Official contact page | Sanchar Saathi Contact Us |
The portal also provides a feedback facility for users who want to share their comments or suggestions.
For eligible cases involving blocked SIM cards or handsets, users can check the dedicated Sanchar Saathi grievance section. Each grievance route has its own conditions, so read the instructions before submitting a request.
The Sanchar Saathi helpdesk number is different from the national cyber fraud helpline 1930. Use the appropriate contact channel according to the issue you are facing.
Official Links and References
For accurate information and access to government services, citizens should use the official Sanchar Saathi portal and the government websites linked below.
| Official resource | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sanchar Saathi Portal | Main website, citizen services, awareness information and FAQs. |
| TAFCOP | Check mobile connections issued in your name. |
| CEIR | Lost or stolen handset services and device-related information. |
| Chakshu | Report suspected fraudulent communications and access relevant reporting options. |
| Contact Us | Official helpdesk information. |
| Important Documents | Government releases and supporting documents. |
| Department of Telecommunications | Official information about the department and its initiatives. |
| Portal Launch Announcement | Government announcement about the launch of Sanchar Saathi on 16 May 2023. |
| Government Information on Sanchar Saathi | Government information about the portal and its mobile application. |
| App Pre-installation Clarification | Government announcement withdrawing mandatory pre-installation of the mobile app on 3 December 2025. |
| National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal | Online reporting of cybercrime incidents. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Sanchar Saathi a government website?
Yes. Sanchar Saathi is an official citizen-centric initiative of the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India. Its official website is sancharsaathi.gov.in.
2. What is the main purpose of the Sanchar Saathi portal?
The portal helps citizens access telecom safety services. These include checking mobile connections registered in their names, reporting suspected fraudulent communications, blocking lost or stolen handsets and verifying mobile handset information.
3. When was the Sanchar Saathi portal launched?
The Department of Telecommunications launched the Sanchar Saathi portal on 16 May 2023.
4. Who manages the Sanchar Saathi portal?
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), under the Ministry of Communications, Government of India, manages the initiative. The portal identifies the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) as its designer, developer and host.
5. Do I need to install the Sanchar Saathi app to use its services?
No. Citizens can access the available services through the official Sanchar Saathi website. The mobile application is another way to use the initiative's facilities.
6. Is the Sanchar Saathi app mandatory for all smartphones?
No. On 3 December 2025, the government withdrew the mandatory pre-installation requirement for mobile manufacturers. Users can voluntarily download the application from the official Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
7. Can I check how many mobile connections are registered in my name?
Yes. You can use the Know Mobile Connections in Your Name facility through the official TAFCOP portal to review the mobile connections issued in your name and report unfamiliar or unwanted connections.
8. What is the use of Chakshu on Sanchar Saathi?
Chakshu allows citizens to report suspected fraudulent communications and access the relevant reporting options for unsolicited commercial communications. It helps the Department of Telecommunications collect information about suspected misuse of telecom resources.
9. Can I block my stolen mobile phone through Sanchar Saathi?
Yes. You can access the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) through Sanchar Saathi to submit a request for blocking a lost or stolen handset. The service also provides options related to unblocking a recovered handset and checking request status.
10. How can I check whether a mobile phone is genuine?
You can use the Know Your Mobile (KYM) facility and check relevant handset information through its 15-digit IMEI number. The service provides an online verification option and an SMS facility. For the SMS method, send KYM followed by the IMEI number to 14422.
11. What should I do if I receive an international call displaying an Indian number?
If you suspect that an international call is displaying an Indian number through caller ID spoofing, you can use the dedicated Report Incoming International Call with Indian Number facility on Sanchar Saathi.
12. Does Sanchar Saathi help report online financial fraud?
Sanchar Saathi provides telecom-related reporting facilities, but it is not the primary platform for filing a financial cybercrime complaint. If you lose money through online fraud, call 1930, contact your bank or payment provider and submit a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
13. Does submitting a Chakshu report mean that a cybercrime complaint has been registered?
No. Chakshu is a facility for reporting suspected fraudulent communications and relevant telecom-related misuse. It should not be treated as a substitute for registering a cybercrime complaint through the appropriate reporting system.
14. Can I use Sanchar Saathi to check the official contact number of a bank?
Yes. The Trusted Contact Details facility provides contact information supplied by participating banks and financial institutions. Users should check the official directory rather than relying on contact details received through suspicious calls or messages.
15. Does an IMEI verification check detect viruses or malware?
No. The handset genuineness facility checks relevant device information using the IMEI number. It does not scan the mobile phone for viruses, spyware, malware or other software-related threats.
16. Can Sanchar Saathi guarantee the recovery of a lost mobile phone?
No. The CEIR facility supports handset blocking and tracing-related processes. However, submitting a request does not guarantee that the device will be recovered. The outcome depends on the circumstances and action taken by the concerned authorities.
17. Does the portal provide a single login for every service?
Users should follow the access and verification requirements of the service they select. Sanchar Saathi connects several service modules, and their login, mobile verification and information requirements may differ.
18. How can I contact the Sanchar Saathi helpdesk?
You can contact the official helpdesk by email at [email protected] or by telephone at 011-20907480. The portal lists its working hours as Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Check the official contact page for the latest information.
19. Is the Sanchar Saathi mobile app available for Android and iPhone?
Yes. The application is available through the Google Play Store for Android users and the Apple App Store for iPhone users. Use the official store links provided on the Sanchar Saathi website.
20. Is Sanchar Saathi the same as the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal?
No. Sanchar Saathi focuses on telecom-related safety and services, while the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal provides the online route for reporting cybercrime incidents. Use the platform that matches the issue you want to report.
Conclusion
Sanchar Saathi brings important telecom safety services under one government platform. Through its website and mobile application, citizens can check mobile connections registered in their names, report suspicious communications, access lost-handset services and verify mobile handset information.
The portal also provides awareness resources, official documents, dashboards and support information to help people understand telecom-related risks. However, users should select the correct reporting channel for their problem. In particular, financial cyber fraud should be reported immediately through the national cyber fraud helpline and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
For the latest service instructions, users should always visit the official Sanchar Saathi portal and follow the information published by the Department of Telecommunications.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes. Service availability, procedures and contact details may change. Always verify the latest information on the official Government of India portal before submitting a request or report.