India now links many digital services – from banking apps to UPI transfers – to your mobile number. That number is often verified using Aadhaar or other ID documents, which makes it a prime target for scammers. Fraudsters may obtain SIM cards in someone else’s name and misuse them for identity‑theft or financial crimes.
That’s why the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) created the Sanchar Saathi portal (also called TAFCOP – Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management & Consumer Protection). It lets you check how many mobile connections are registered in your name and raise complaints if you see numbers you don’t recognise. In India you’re allowed up to nine SIM cards per Aadhaar, so checking this list helps ensure you stay within limits and avoid fraudulent usage.
This guide shows how to use the Sanchar Saathi website and mobile app to check your registered mobile numbers and request disconnection of unknown SIM cards. It also highlights why checking your mobile connections regularly protects you from scams and fraud.
🔍 What Is Sanchar Saathi (TAFCOP)?
Sanchar Saathi is a citizen‑centric initiative of the DoT that consolidates several telecom security services in one place. Through the “Know Your Mobile Connections” service, users can:
- Check all active mobile numbers registered with their ID – once you log in, the portal shows every mobile connection linked to your documents.
- Report unrecognised numbers – you can flag numbers as “Not My Number” or “Not Required” to have them re‑verified or disconnected.
- Comply with SIM limits – India allows up to nine SIM cards per Aadhaar; TAFCOP helps you stay within this limit.
- Block lost or stolen devices – through other Sanchar Saathi tools, you can block a handset or verify IMEI authenticity.
Sanchar Saathi is free to use. You only need your own mobile number, the ability to receive a one‑time password (OTP) and an ID document linked to that number.
✅ Step‑by‑Step: How to Check Mobile Connections in Your Name
- Visit the portal: Go to sancharsaathi.gov.in or open the Sanchar Saathi mobile app (available for Android and iOS). From the home page, select “Citizen‑Centric Services” and then click “Know Your Mobile Connections.”
- Enter your mobile number and captcha: Type your active 10‑digit mobile number and the captcha shown on the screen.
- Authenticate with OTP: Click “Request OTP.” You will receive a one‑time password on your phone. Enter the OTP to log in.
- View the list of connections: The portal displays all mobile numbers associated with your ID. Check whether each number belongs to you or your family.
- Flag suspicious numbers: If you see numbers you don’t recognise, select them and choose “Not My Number” to file a disconnection request. You can also select “Not Required” if you no longer need a particular SIM. A request ID will be generated to track the complaint. Legitimate numbers can be marked as “Required.”
Note: Only individuals whose mobile number is linked to their Aadhaar or other ID can use the portal. You can repeat this process periodically to ensure no unauthorised numbers are issued in your name.
🛡️ Why It’s Important to Check Your Mobile Connections
- Prevent identity theft: Fraudsters sometimes open SIM cards using stolen documents and use them for scams or illegal activities. TAFCOP helps you detect these unauthorised connections.
- Stay within legal limits: DoT regulations allow a maximum of nine SIM cards per person. Exceeding this limit can lead to disconnection or penalties.
- Protect financial services: Many banking and UPI transactions rely on OTPs. Ensuring only authorised SIM cards are linked to your ID prevents criminals from intercepting OTPs.
- Simplify complaint filing: Reporting unknown numbers through TAFCOP is easier than visiting a store. The system automatically forwards complaints to telecom operators for re‑verification.
📊 At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Service | Sanchar Saathi – “Know Your Mobile Connections” |
| Purpose | Check all mobile numbers registered with your ID and report unauthorised SIM cards |
| Available on | Web portal (sancharsaathi.gov.in), Android & iOS apps |
| Login method | Enter mobile number and captcha → verify with OTP |
| SIM limit | Up to nine connections per individual/Aadhaar |
| Actions available | Mark numbers as “Required”, “Not My Number”, or “Not Required” |
| Cost | Free for all users |
Below is a concise table listing the official sites and resources you provided, along with a brief description for each. Short phrases are used to keep the table clear and readable.
| Source/Link | Description | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Sanchar Saathi portal | Main government portal for checking mobile connections registered to your ID and accessing other telecom services. | Official portal |
| Know the number of connections issued in your name (Gov portal) | Direct link to the government service page where you enter your mobile number and OTP to view registered connections. | Official service |
| Sanchar Saathi app – iOS | Official iOS application for the Sanchar Saathi portal, offering mobile access to the same services. | Official app |
| Airtel blog article | Airtel’s blog post explaining how many SIM cards can be linked to one Aadhaar and how to check them. | Blog/FAQ |
| Vi (Vodafone Idea) FAQ | FAQ page by Vi (Vodafone Idea) explaining how to check mobile numbers linked to your Aadhaar. | Blog/FAQ |
| Times of India article | News article from Times of India describing the process of checking active mobile numbers using the Sanchar Saathi portal. | News guide |
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Sanchar Saathi the only way to check mobile connections?
Yes. While telecom operators sometimes offer self‑service options, the DoT’s Sanchar Saathi/TAFCOP portal is the official, centralised tool for verifying and managing mobile connections registered in your name.
Q: Can I check connections without an Aadhaar card?
No. The service uses OTP authentication tied to the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar (or other valid ID). You cannot access another person’s list, and a mobile number without ID linkage cannot be used to log in.
Q: What happens after I report an unauthorised number?
When you flag a number as “Not My Number,” the portal sends your request to the telecom operator. The operator re‑verifies the connection and deactivates it if it is found to be unauthorised. You will receive a request ID to track the status.
Q: Are there mobile apps for checking connections?
Yes. The Sanchar Saathi app provides the same functionality as the web portal. It is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Q: How often should I check my connections?
It’s wise to check at least once every few months and whenever you suspect identity theft or notice unusual activity on your phone number. Regular checks help keep your digital identity safe.
🏁 Final Words
With mobile numbers becoming the gateway to financial services and personal data, ensuring that only authorised SIM cards are registered in your name is crucial. The Sanchar Saathi (TAFCOP) portal and mobile app make this process simple by letting you view all your mobile connections at once, report unknown numbers, and stay within the DoT’s SIM limits.
Take a few minutes to log in today and verify your mobile connections. It’s a free step that can protect you from identity theft, financial fraud and potential legal issues. If you find numbers that don’t belong to you, use the portal’s options to report them immediately and safeguard your digital identity.
