Sanchar Saathi – Your Shield Against Mobile Fraud

On 24 November 2025, the Press Information Bureau (PIB Delhi) issued a crucial advisory through the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Citizens were reminded to use the Sanchar Saathi Mobile App and portal to verify and secure their mobile connections and handsets.

Why This Advisory Matters

India now has over a billion mobile users. With so many phones in use, the chances of SIM card misuse and phone ID (IMEI) tampering have increased a lot. Some fraudsters take advantage of these weak points to cheat people.

• Cyber scams using SIM cards procured under fake identities.
• Tampered IMEI devices that bypass security checks.
• Illegal gadgets like SIM boxes or cloned modems used for mass fraud.

The Telecommunications Act, 2023 now makes tampering with IMEI numbers a punishable offense

Stay Safe: What Not to Do

• Don’t use phones with fake or tampered IMEI numbers.
• Avoid devices like modems, modules, or SIM boxes that have altered or changeable IMEIs.
• Never get SIM cards using fake documents, fraud, or by pretending to be someone else.
• Don’t give SIM cards registered in your name to others, because they might misuse them.
• Don’t use apps or websites that change caller ID (CLI) or other telecom identifiers.
• If you buy SIM cards in your name and let others use them for cyber fraud, you will also be treated as an offender.

Sanchar Saathi help in Reporting and Verification

Check your phone’s details easily: Citizens can use the Sanchar Saathi portal or the Sanchar Saathi Mobile App to verify their phone’s IMEI number.
When you check, the app shows your phone’s brand name, model name, and manufacturer details. The government has started the Sanchar Saathi initiative to give people simple digital tools that:

• Help you verify your mobile connections
• Keep your handset safe from misuse
  ✅ Strict rules and checks are now in place to stop fraud and protect telecom resources, so that everyone enjoys a secure mobile network.

Legal Background

The PIB note highlights that under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, altering or using devices with tampered IMEIs is strictly prohibited. Offenders face serious legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.

Why You Should Care

Whether you’re a student, professional, or entrepreneur, your mobile is your lifeline. By using Sanchar Saathi, you:

• Protect yourself from identity theft.
• Ensure your device isn’t part of cyber fraud networks.
• Stay compliant with new telecom laws.

In Short:

The PIB Delhi advisory is a wake-up call, mobile security is now a shared responsibility. With Sanchar Saathi, the government has given citizens a powerful tool to safeguard their digital lives. So, before you scroll through your next feed, take a moment to download the app, verify your connections, and secure your handset. Because in today’s world, your phone’s safety is your safety.

Source: Department of Telecommunication

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