Explained: How to report SIM card fraud on Centre’s 'Sanchar Saathi' portal

Hyderabad: In the digital age, the misuse of personal information has become a growing concern. One such alarming issue is the unauthorized purchase of SIM cards under someone else's name, leading to potential misuse and fraudulent activities.

To combat this problem, Centre has introduced a portal 'Sanchar Saathi'. This portal allows individuals to check and report any SIM cards fraudulently registered under their name.

In this explainer, we will guide you through the steps to use Sanchar Saathi and understand the government's efforts to prevent SIM card fraud.

Understanding SIM Card Fraud

Before we delve into the solution, it's crucial to grasp the problem at hand. SIM card fraud occurs when someone purchases a SIM card using your personal information without your knowledge or consent. This can lead to several issues, including:

1. Identity Theft: Fraudsters can use your identity to commit various crimes, including financial fraud and cybercrimes.

2. Misuse of Services: They might use the SIM card for illegal activities, making you unwittingly liable for their actions.

3. Privacy Invasion: Your personal data and communication can be compromised.

Sanchar Saathi: An Introduction

Sanchar Saathi is a government initiative designed to address the issue of SIM card fraud. It provides a platform for individuals to check whether any SIM cards have been fraudulently registered in their name. Here's how you can use it:

Step 1: Visit the Portal

Go to the Sanchar Saathi portal by visiting https://tafcop.sancharsaathi.gov.in/telecomUser/ on your web browser.

Step 2: Log In Through OTP

To access the portal, you will need to log in using OTP (One-Time Password) authentication. This ensures the security of your information.

Step 3: Check for Fraud Numbers

Once logged in, the portal will display a list of phone numbers registered under your name. Carefully review this list to identify any numbers that you did not authorize or recognize.

Step 4: Report Fraudulent Numbers

If you find any numbers that do not belong to you, select the "Not My Number" option and report them immediately. This action helps the authorities identify and take action against fraudulent SIM card registrations.

Government's Preventive Measures

To curb SIM card fraud, the government has introduced several preventive measures:

1. Police Verification: Vendors selling SIM cards are now subject to strict police verification procedures. This ensures that SIM cards are only provided to legitimate individuals.

2. Restrictions on Bulk Purchases: Individuals are not allowed to purchase SIM cards in bulk, preventing the illegal resale of unverified cards.

3. Strict KYC for Businesses: Businesses that require SIM cards for operations must adhere to stringent Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines.

4. Compulsory Registration of Point of Sale (PoS): Point of Sale locations must be registered to improve traceability and accountability.

5. Enhanced KYC for Buyers: Buyers are required to provide comprehensive KYC details to prevent misuse.

SIM card fraud is a serious issue that can have far-reaching consequences for individuals. The introduction of the Sanchar Saathi portal and the government's stringent measures represent a significant step towards addressing this problem.

By using this portal, individuals can take control of their personal information and ensure that SIM cards are not fraudulently registered in their name. Additionally, the government's efforts to tighten regulations in the sale of SIM cards are crucial in preventing misuse. It's essential to stay vigilant and make use of such tools to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud in the digital age.