Sanchar Saathi Portal 2026: Check IMEI, Block a Lost Mobile and Report Fraud Calls Have you ever received a suspicious call claiming that your mobile number will be disconnected? Have you purchased a second-hand smartphone and wondered whether its IMEI is genuine? Or have you lost your phone and needed to block it before someone could misuse it? The Sanchar Saathi portal is a Government of India initiative that helps mobile users access important telecom-security services, including reporting suspected fraudulent communications, checking mobile connections registered in their names, verifying device authenticity and blocking lost or stolen handsets. Managed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Sanchar Saathi brings several useful mobile-safety services together in one place. Its services include Chakshu for reporting suspected fraud communications and CEIR-related facilities for lost or stolen mobile phones. In this guide, you will learn how to use the Sanchar Saathi portal, check your phone's IMEI, block a lost device, check your request status and recognize situations where you should report cyber fraud immediately. Official portal: https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/** What Is the Sanchar Saathi Portal?** Sanchar Saathi is a citizen-focused telecom-security initiative developed by the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India. It helps people take action against certain types of telecom misuse and mobile-related fraud. Depending on the service, users can report suspicious communications, check connections registered in their names, verify mobile handset authenticity and submit requests to block lost or stolen phones. The platform is especially useful for people who want to check a phone before buying it, protect a lost device or report suspicious calls and messages. According to the Department of Telecommunications, its services include reporting suspected fraud communications, checking mobile connections and blocking or tracing lost or stolen handsets.** What Can You Do on the Sanchar Saathi Portal?** The portal provides several services that address common mobile-security concerns.**
- Check Your Mobile IMEI Number** An IMEI, or International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a number used to identify a mobile device. Checking a handset's IMEI status can help you identify warning signs before buying a new or second-hand phone. The official CEIR service provides a facility to check the genuineness of a mobile handset.**
- Block a Lost or Stolen Mobile Phone** If your phone is lost or stolen, you can use the relevant Sanchar Saathi/CEIR facility to submit a request to block its IMEI. The process requires supporting information and documents, including a police report, identity proof and a reissued SIM for the lost number.**
- Report Suspected Fraud Calls and Messages** The Chakshu facility allows people to report suspected fraudulent communications, including suspicious calls and messages. It can be useful for reporting suspected impersonation, fake KYC updates and other communications that appear designed to deceive people. If money has already been lost to financial cyber fraud, do not rely only on a suspicious-communication report. Report the financial fraud promptly through the official cybercrime reporting channels.**
- Check Mobile Connections Registered in Your Name** Sanchar Saathi includes a service that allows users to review mobile connections associated with their identity and report connections they do not recognize or no longer require. This can help you identify unfamiliar connections and take appropriate action through the official process.** How to Check Your Mobile IMEI on Sanchar Saathi** Before purchasing a second-hand smartphone, checking the IMEI is a sensible precaution. Follow these steps:
- Open the official Sanchar Saathi CEIR portal.
- Find the option to check the genuineness of your mobile handset.
- Locate your device's 15-digit IMEI number.
- Enter the requested details and complete the verification steps displayed on the official page.
- Review the result and follow the instructions provided.**
How to Find Your IMEI Number**
You can usually find your phone's IMEI by dialling
*#06#on the device. It may also be printed on the original packaging or listed on your purchase invoice. The CEIR service also provides an SMS-based option: typeKYMfollowed by a space and your 15-digit IMEI number, then send it to 14422. If the official verification result identifies the device as blacklisted, duplicated or already in use in a concerning way, avoid proceeding with the purchase until you have clarified the issue. Important: An IMEI check is one useful precaution, not a guarantee that a phone, seller or transaction is safe.** How to Block a Lost or Stolen Mobile Phone Online** Losing a smartphone can expose you to more than the cost of replacing the device. Someone may attempt to access your messages, personal information or accounts, depending on the device's security and whether it is locked. If your phone is lost or stolen, take action promptly.** Step 1: Report the Loss to the Police** File a police report or complaint and retain a copy. You may need it when submitting your blocking request.** Step 2: Contact Your Telecom Operator** Ask your mobile operator to block the lost SIM and arrange a replacement SIM for the same number. The reissued number is needed for OTP verification in the CEIR process.** Step 3: Keep Your Documents Ready** Prepare the documents and details requested by the official portal. These can include:
- Police report or FIR copy
- Valid identity proof
- Reissued SIM for the lost mobile number
- IMEI number, if available
- Mobile purchase invoice, if available** Step 4: Submit the Blocking Request** Visit the official CEIR service and select the option to block a lost or stolen mobile handset. Enter the required details, upload the requested documents and submit the form.** Step 5: Save Your Request ID** Keep your request ID safe. You may need it to check the status of your request or to unblock the handset if it is recovered. The CEIR portal states that a successfully submitted blocking request results in the phone being blocked within 24 hours. Follow the current official instructions and retain your request details for reference. Remember: Blocking a device's IMEI does not replace the need to secure your bank accounts, email, messaging apps and other accounts that may have been accessible on the lost phone.** How to Check Your Lost Mobile Blocking Request Status** After submitting your request, you may want to know whether it has been processed. To check your request status:
- Visit the official CEIR portal.
- Select the option to check the status of a lost or stolen mobile request.
- Enter the relevant request ID or accepted police complaint number.
- Complete any CAPTCHA or verification steps displayed.
- Review the status shown on the official page. Keep the request ID and registered mobile number available. If you cannot find your request, use the official portal's available recovery options or contact the relevant authority. Do not pay an unknown person who promises to trace your phone or change the request status in exchange for a fee.** How to Report Fraud Calls and Suspicious Messages Using Chakshu** Fraudsters may pretend to be bank employees, telecom representatives, government officials, delivery agents or customer-support staff. They may try to obtain OTPs, banking credentials, identity details or payments. The Chakshu facility on Sanchar Saathi provides a route for reporting suspected fraudulent communications. You can use the official Sanchar Saathi portal to locate the relevant reporting service and follow its current instructions. Examples of suspicious communications may include:
- Messages claiming that your SIM will be deactivated unless you complete an urgent KYC update
- Calls impersonating government or law-enforcement officials
- Fake customer-care calls asking for OTPs or remote access
- Messages containing suspicious links to claim a refund or prize
- Communications requesting sensitive banking information under pressure Before responding, independently verify the caller or message through the organization's official contact details. Never disclose your UPI PIN, banking password or OTP to an unknown caller.** What If You Have Already Lost Money?** If money has already been taken from your bank account, UPI account or another payment method because of cyber fraud, report the incident immediately through India's official cybercrime channels.
- Cybercrime helpline: 1930
- Official reporting portal: https://www.cybercrime.gov.in/ Keep your transaction ID, payment receipt, bank notification and relevant communication records. Quick reporting may help the authorities and financial institutions take appropriate action, but recovery is not guaranteed.** How to Check Mobile Numbers Registered in Your Name** You may also want to check whether unfamiliar mobile connections are associated with your identity. Sanchar Saathi provides a mobile-connections service for reviewing connections registered in a person's name and reporting those that are not recognized or required. To use it:
- Open the official Sanchar Saathi website.
- Locate the service for knowing mobile connections in your name.
- Enter the requested mobile number and complete OTP verification, as instructed.
- Review the connections displayed.
- Follow the portal's instructions to report any connection you do not recognize. If you discover a connection that appears unauthorized, report it through the official process and retain any reference details provided.** Sanchar Saathi vs. the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal** These services address different needs, so choosing the correct one matters.SituationWhere to startCheck whether a phone's IMEI is genuineSanchar Saathi / CEIRBlock a lost or stolen handsetSanchar Saathi / CEIRReport a suspicious call or messageSanchar Saathi / ChakshuReview mobile connections in your nameSanchar SaathiReport money lost to online financial fraud1930 and the National Cyber Crime Reporting PortalTrack an eligible cybercrime complaintOfficial National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal For a cybercrime complaint submitted through the portal's applicable tracking process, the acknowledgement number can be used to check its status. Always use the official website and never share OTPs with third parties claiming to track a complaint for you.** Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Sanchar Saathi** Even when using a genuine government service, it is important to protect your information. Avoid these mistakes:
- Using unofficial websites: Check that you are visiting the official government domain before entering personal details.
- Sharing OTPs with callers: A person claiming to help you block a phone or report fraud does not need you to disclose your OTP to them.
- Ignoring a lost SIM: Contact your telecom operator promptly to protect your number.
- Forgetting your request ID: Save the reference number and any confirmation received after submitting a request.
- Assuming a fraud report guarantees recovery: Reporting suspicious communications and recovering money already lost are different processes.
- Paying an unofficial recovery agent: Be cautious of anyone guaranteeing phone recovery, complaint closure or a bank refund for an advance payment.** How to Stay Safer From Mobile and Online Scams** Government reporting portals can help you respond to specific problems, but prevention remains important. Use a strong screen lock, keep your phone's operating system and apps updated, enable two-factor authentication where available, and avoid installing applications from untrusted sources. Before opening a link, check the domain carefully. Treat unexpected payment requests and urgent warnings with caution, especially if they ask you to disclose confidential information or install a remote-access application. For additional protection, Arjuna Cyber Shield by MyArjuna focuses on helping users identify suspicious digital activity and make safer decisions online. Use security tools as one layer of protection alongside careful verification and responsible device use. Explore MyArjuna: https://myarjuna.com/** Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the official Sanchar Saathi portal?** The official website is https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/. It is a Department of Telecommunications initiative offering citizen-focused telecom-security services.**
- How can I check my phone's IMEI online?** Visit the official CEIR portal, open the handset-genuineness service, enter your 15-digit IMEI and complete the requested verification steps.**
- How do I block a stolen phone in India?** Report the loss to the police, contact your telecom operator about your SIM, prepare the required documents and submit a blocking request through the official Sanchar Saathi/CEIR service.**
- Can I check the status of my lost phone request?** Yes. Use the official CEIR status service and enter your request ID or an accepted police complaint number, following the instructions on the page.**
- What is Chakshu on Sanchar Saathi?** Chakshu is a facility for reporting suspected fraudulent communications, including suspicious calls and messages.**
- What should I do if I lose money through a fraud call?** Report financial cyber fraud immediately through helpline 1930 and the official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at https://www.cybercrime.gov.in/. Preserve transaction records and relevant communications.**
- Can I check how many mobile numbers are registered in my name?** Sanchar Saathi provides a service for reviewing mobile connections associated with your identity. Access it through the official portal and complete the required verification.**
- Does blocking a phone's IMEI guarantee that I will recover it?** No. IMEI blocking is intended to prevent the handset from being used on Indian mobile networks and can support the relevant tracing process, but it does not guarantee recovery of the device.** Final Takeaway** The Sanchar Saathi portal is a useful starting point for checking mobile handset authenticity, blocking lost or stolen phones, reporting suspicious communications and reviewing mobile connections registered in your name. Save the official portal, keep your request references secure and act quickly when a device is lost or a financial fraud occurs. If money has already been stolen, report the incident through the official cybercrime channels instead of relying solely on a telecom complaint. Digital safety begins with knowing which official service to use—and recognizing when a suspicious caller or message is trying to exploit your trust. Disclaimer: This article is for general information and cyber-safety awareness. Portal features and procedures may change. Verify current instructions through the official Government of India websites before submitting personal information or a complaint.


