How to Check and Report Unknown SIM Cards Registered in Your Name Using Sanchar Saathi TAFCOP

1. What Is TAFCOP and Sanchar Saathi?

TAFCOP (Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection) is an official citizen-centric service launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India.

It is hosted on the unified security portal Sanchar Saathi (sancharsaathi.gov.in).

The primary objective of TAFCOP is to provide mobile users in India with a simple mechanism to:

• Verify the total number of active mobile connections registered against their unique identity documents (such as Aadhaar).
• Report unauthorized or unknown mobile numbers for investigation and eventual disconnection.
• Block redundant SIM cards that the user once owned but no longer requires.

2. How to Check Mobile Connections Registered in Your Name

To check your active mobile connection list, follow this official step-by-step workflow:

• Visit the Official Sanchar Saathi Portal: Open your web browser and go to sancharsaathi.gov.in.
• Navigate to TAFCOP: Scroll down to the *Citizen Centric Services* section and click on the TAFCOP card (or visit the direct link https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/sancharsaathi/tafcop).
• Provide Your Active Mobile Number: Enter any active 10-digit mobile connection that is registered in your name.
• Validate Captcha: Enter the alphanumeric security Captcha shown on the screen and click Validate Captcha.
• Request and Enter OTP: A one-time password (OTP) will be sent to your mobile. Enter the received OTP and click Login.
• Review the Results Dashboard: Once logged in, the screen will display all mobile connections currently active in India under your name.

3. Understanding the Reporting Options: What Do They Mean?

On the TAFCOP dashboard, you will see a table listing the active numbers. Next to each number, the portal provides three options. You must select the one that applies:

• "Not My Number": Select this option if you do not recognize the mobile number at all. This indicates identity fraud, implying someone else has managed to procure a SIM using your identity proof without your knowledge.
• "Not Required": Select this if the number belongs to you (or was purchased by you in the past), but you no longer use it or do not need it active. This is useful for cleaning up old, redundant SIMs.
• "Required": Select this if the connection is currently in active use by you or a family member and you want to keep it running.

Once you make your selection, check the box next to the phone number and click Report.

4. How to Track and Monitor Your Report

• Get the Ticket ID: Immediately after submitting a report, the TAFCOP system generates a Request ID / Ticket Reference Number on the screen. An SMS confirmation containing this ID will also be sent to your logged-in number.
• Track Status: To monitor progress, log in to the TAFCOP portal again. Enter your Ticket ID in the Request Status box at the top of the dashboard and click Track.
• Disconnection Timeline: The DoT routes your report to the respective telecom service provider (TSP) like Jio, Airtel, or BSNL. The service provider will verify the identity details and, if the claim is valid, permanently block the SIM card within the standard processing timeframe.

5. What to Do If the Unknown SIM Was Used for Cyber Fraud

If you discover that an unknown number was registered in your name, determine your level of exposure:

Scenario A: Unknown SIM found, but no financial loss has occurred.

• Action: Submit the "Not My Number" report on TAFCOP. Save the Ticket ID. Check your credit score (CIBIL) and bank accounts for any unauthorized queries to ensure no other records are compromised.

Scenario B: Scammers used your identity to create a SIM for harassment or scams.

• Action: Immediately file an identity theft complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in. Upload the TAFCOP dashboard screenshot showing the unauthorized number alongside your identity documents.

Scenario C: Financial fraud or UPI theft has already occurred.

• Action:

1. Call the national financial fraud helpline 1930 immediately to freeze funds in transit.

2. Register a detailed complaint on cybercrime.gov.in.

3. Contact your bank's fraud reporting manager to request a payment recall or chargeback.

6. Can an Unknown SIM Be Linked to Aadhaar Misuse?

An unauthorized mobile number showing on your TAFCOP dashboard is a strong indicator that someone has obtained a copy of your Aadhaar card or identity details. However, it does not mean your biometric credentials have been stolen or that your bank accounts are instantly empty.

In many cases, local retail shops or agents misuse photocopy documents submitted during normal paper verification. To protect yourself:

• Visit the UIDAI Portal (myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in) and Lock Your Biometrics to prevent unauthorized fingerprint-based transactions (AePS fraud).
• Check your Aadhaar Authentication History periodically to ensure all verification requests are legitimate.

7. Documents and Information Needed for Records

While Sanchar Saathi TAFCOP does not require uploading documents, you should maintain a record of the following details for your safety:

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring the Number: Never leave an unrecognized mobile number active, assuming it's a minor error. You remain legally liable if that connection is used for illegal actions.
• Sharing Login OTPs: Scammers may call pretending to be "Verification Officers" from the Department of Telecommunications or cyber cell. No official agency will call to ask for your Sanchar Saathi login OTP.
• Using Fake Portals: Ensure you are using the official .gov.in domain. Do not enter your details on third-party tracking portals.

Official Sources

• Sanchar Saathi Portal: sancharsaathi.gov.in
• Department of Telecommunications (DoT): dot.gov.in
• National Cyber Crime Portal: cybercrime.gov.in