Buying a new SIM card, receiving suspicious calls or discovering an unfamiliar mobile number linked to your identity can raise serious concerns. To help people protect themselves against telecom fraud, the Government of India operates the Sanchar Saathi portal, which offers tools to check mobile connections registered in a person's name and report suspected misuse.

The Department of Telecommunications reported on October 5, 2026, that the portal had crossed 30 crore visits, reflecting growing public interest in telecom safety and fraud prevention. The platform is particularly useful for people who want to check for unauthorised mobile connections or report a lost phone.

What Is Sanchar Saathi?

Sanchar Saathi is a citizen-focused initiative of the Department of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Communications. It provides online facilities that help mobile users verify connections, report suspicious telecom activity and take action in certain cases of device theft.

The portal brings several telecom safety services together in one place, allowing citizens to access them without necessarily visiting a telecom office.

Official website: https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/

1. Check How Many Mobile Numbers Are Registered in Your Name

One of the most useful facilities is the ability to check mobile connections associated with your identity.

If you suspect that someone has obtained a SIM card using your documents without your permission, you can use the portal's Know Your Mobile Connections facility.

How to check:

1. Visit the official Sanchar Saathi website.

2. Open the “Know Your Mobile Connections” service.

3. Enter your mobile number and complete the verification process.

4. Review the connections displayed against your details.

5. If you find an unfamiliar number, follow the available reporting procedure.

The facility helps users identify connections they may not recognise. However, finding an unfamiliar number does not automatically prove fraud; verify the details and report any connection you believe is unauthorised.

2. Block a Lost or Stolen Mobile Phone

If your phone is lost or stolen, Sanchar Saathi provides the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) service.

This service allows eligible users to request the blocking of a device using its IMEI number, helping prevent the handset from being used on Indian mobile networks.

Users may need details such as the phone's IMEI, a police complaint and other supporting information, depending on the procedure.

After blocking the device, retain the request number so you can check its status or follow the prescribed process to unblock it if the phone is recovered.

3. Report Suspicious Calls and Messages

Fraudsters may impersonate bank officials, telecom companies, government departments or other trusted organisations to trick people into sharing confidential information.

The Sanchar Saathi initiative also provides access to tools such as Chakshu, through which users can report suspected fraudulent calls, SMS messages and WhatsApp communications.

If money has already been lost in a cybercrime, reporting the communication alone may not be sufficient. Contact your bank immediately and report the incident through the official cybercrime reporting system or helpline 1930 as appropriate.

4. Verify a Mobile Device Before Buying It

IMEI verification can help consumers check a handset's identifying details before purchasing a new or second-hand phone.

The IMEI is a unique identification number associated with a mobile device. Users should verify the device through official facilities and compare the displayed information with the handset and its documentation.

Be cautious if the seller refuses to provide relevant details, the device information does not match or the price seems suspiciously low.

5. Why Should Every Mobile User Know About It?

Mobile numbers are increasingly linked to banking services, digital payments, messaging applications and identity verification. An unauthorised connection or stolen phone can therefore create privacy and security concerns.

Checking your registered connections periodically, securing your SIM and reporting suspicious activity can help you identify potential problems earlier.

Important Safety Tips

• Never share OTPs, banking PINs or passwords with unknown callers.

• Do not install remote-access applications at the request of an unsolicited caller.

• Use only the official Sanchar Saathi website for telecom-related checks.

• If you discover an unauthorised connection, report it and retain the acknowledgement details.

• If money is stolen, contact your bank and report the financial cybercrime promptly.

Final Takeaway

Sanchar Saathi provides practical tools for checking mobile connections, reporting suspected telecom fraud and seeking action on lost or stolen devices. Its reported milestone of 30 crore visits highlights the importance of digital safety as mobile services become central to everyday life.

A quick check of the connections associated with your identity can be a useful precaution. Visit the official portal, review the available services and report anything suspicious through the prescribed channels.