Protect Yourself from SIM Card Fraud with Sanchar Saathi Tool

The rising incidence of SIM card fraud has prompted concerns about identity theft, with many individuals potentially unaware that their Aadhaar number may be used to register mobile connections. In response, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched a user-friendly tool on the Sanchar Saathi portal, part of its TAFCOP system. This initiative enables individuals to verify how many mobile numbers are registered under their identity.

The Sanchar Saathi portal offers a straightforward way for users to check their linked mobile connections. According to government regulations, each Aadhaar number can be associated with a maximum of nine active SIM cards throughout India. In regions such as Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and the North Eastern states, this limit is reduced to six active SIMs.

Steps to Check Linked SIM Cards

To determine how many SIM cards are registered under your Aadhaar number, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the Sanchar Saathi portal at sancharsaathi.gov.in.
2. Navigate to the ‘Citizen Centric Services’ section and select ‘Know Your Mobile Connections’.
3. Input your 10-digit mobile number and the captcha code provided.
4. An OTP will be sent to your phone; enter this code.
5. You will then see a list of all mobile numbers linked to your identity.

What to Do If You Find an Unknown SIM

If you come across a number that does not belong to you, the portal provides options to address this issue. You can select “Not My Number” to initiate a request for disconnection of the unknown SIM. Additionally, if there are inactive or unwanted SIMs, you may choose “Not Required” for those connections. Once the request is verified, the unnecessary numbers will be deactivated.

In cases where more than nine SIMs are registered to your Aadhaar number, the system will send an alert via SMS, prompting users to take corrective action.

Individuals are encouraged to utilize this tool to safeguard their identities and minimize the risk of fraud. With the increasing use of mobile technology, awareness and proactive measures are vital in protecting personal information from misuse.