India’s fight against telecom fraud just got stronger. The Sanchar Saathi Mobile App, launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has crossed 50 lakh downloads within just six months of its release.
The app is part of the Sanchar Saathi initiative aimed at empowering citizens to safeguard their telecom identity and take quick action against fraudulent communications.
Jan Bhagidari in Action
The app’s success is a clear example of Jan Bhagidari—citizen participation in governance. Millions of users are now actively reporting suspicious calls and messages, helping authorities curb telecom-related frauds and crimes.
The Sanchar Saathi Mobile App is available in English, Hindi, and 21 regional languages, making it accessible to users across India.
Direct Reporting from Call and SMS Logs
One of the most powerful features is the ability to report suspected fraud communications instantly. Users can do this directly from their mobile phone’s call and SMS logs. This reduces the reporting time to just a few seconds and ensures faster action against fraudsters.
Impact Since Launch
The Sanchar Saathi initiative has already made a huge difference:
- Recovered over 5.35 lakh lost or stolen mobile handsets.
- Disconnected more than 1 crore unauthorized mobile connections based on citizen reports.
- Deactivated over 29 lakh mobile numbers flagged through the Chakshu feature.
- The Sanchar Saathi Portal has received over 16.7 crore visits.
Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)
DoT has also implemented the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator. This tool identifies and rates mobile numbers linked to financial fraud risk. The ratings help banks, NBFCs, and UPI service providers take preventive measures to protect consumers.
So far, 34 financial institutions have frozen 10.02 lakh bank accounts/payment wallets and imposed debit/credit restrictions on 3.05 lakh accounts based on these ratings.
From Portal to Mobile App
The Sanchar Saathi Portal was launched on 16 May 2023. Building on its success, the Sanchar Saathi Mobile App was launched on 17 January 2025. It is available on both Android and iOS platforms, giving users direct and convenient access to telecom security services.
Key Features of Sanchar Saathi Mobile App
- Chakshu – Report Suspected Fraud Communications: Instantly report suspicious calls and SMS directly from phone logs.
- Know Mobile Connections in Your Name: View and manage all mobile numbers registered under your name.
- Blocking Lost or Stolen Mobiles: Block, trace, and recover devices quickly.
- Check Mobile Handset Genuineness: Verify a handset before buying.
Transparency and Swift Action
DoT acts swiftly on reports received through the platform. Status dashboards on the portal keep citizens informed, building public trust and transparency.
Empowering Citizens Against Telecom Fraud
The Sanchar Saathi initiative reflects the government’s commitment to protecting citizens from telecom misuse and financial fraud. By combining technology, multilingual accessibility, and public participation, it has become a game-changer in India’s telecom security landscape.
