In just six months since its launch, the Sanchar Saathi mobile application developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has been downloaded over 50 lakh times, with officials crediting citizen participation for aiding in the crackdown on telecom-related fraud.
The app, available in English, Hindi and 21 regional languages, allows users to report suspicious calls or messages directly from their call and SMS logs. According to the DoT, this feature, part of the Chakshu module, has contributed to the deactivation of over 29 lakh numbers linked to fraudulent activity.
Launched on January 17 this year, the mobile app builds on the Sanchar Saathi portal, introduced in May 2023, which has seen over 16.7 crore visits so far. DoT data shows the initiative has helped recover more than 5.35 lakh lost or stolen mobile handsets and facilitated the disconnection of over one crore unauthorised mobile connections reported by citizens.
To strengthen preventive measures, the DoT has also rolled out a Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) that flags mobile numbers with suspected links to financial fraud. Based on FRI ratings, 34 financial institutions have frozen 10.02 lakh bank accounts or payment wallets and imposed restrictions on 3.05 lakh accounts.
Officials said the multi-pronged approach combining fraud detection, handset tracking and connection verification was aimed at curbing the misuse of telecom resources for cybercrime and financial scams.
The “Know Mobile Connections in Your Name” feature lets users see all mobile numbers linked to their ID, enabling them to identify and cancel unauthorised connections. Sanchar Saathi Mobile App is available both on Android and iOS platforms.
