Sanchar Saathi

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has made it mandatory for all newly manufactured or imported mobile phones in India to come with the Sanchar Saathi app pre-installed.

About Sanchar Saathi

Sanchar Saathi is a security and awareness platform developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). It is available both as a mobile app and a web portal.

• Purpose: The platform helps mobile users manage their digital identity, report suspicious activity, and safeguard their devices.

• It also provides educational material on telecom safety and cyber risks, making it a combined service-and-awareness system.

Key Features of Sanchar Saathi

1. ‘Chakshu’ Feature:

   • Users can report suspicious calls, SMS, and WhatsApp messages, such as fake KYC alerts, impersonation scams, or phishing links.

   • Helps authorities identify fraud patterns.

2. Report Spam and Unwanted Commercial Calls:

   • Users can report spam calls or messages that violate TRAI rules.

   • Complaints made within seven days can lead to action against the sender.

3. Report Malicious Links and Apps:

   • Enables reporting of phishing links, unsafe APKs, and fraudulent websites.

4. Checking Mobile Connections Linked to Your Identity:

   • Shows how many mobile numbers are registered using your identity, helping detect unauthorized SIM cards.

5. Blocking Lost or Stolen Phones:

   • Users can block the IMEI of lost or stolen devices, preventing misuse.

   • Devices can be unblocked if recovered.

6. Verifying Device Authenticity:

   • Users can validate the IMEI to check if a phone is genuine, useful when buying second-hand phones.

7. Reporting International Calls That Appear as Indian Numbers:

   • Allows reporting of cases where scammers make international calls appear as +91 calls.

8. Finding Local Internet Service Providers:

   • Users can check which wired internet service providers are available in their area by entering PIN code, address, or provider name.

9. Verifying Trusted Contacts and Helpline Numbers:

   • Provides a directory to confirm genuine customer-care numbers, emails, and websites of banks and other major institutions.