You hang up on a fake "TRAI officer" and feel pleased you did not fall for it.
But tomorrow, the same number will call someone else.
Someone who might.
There is a government service where you can report it in a couple of minutes.
What is Chakshu?
It is part of Sanchar Saathi, the Department of Telecommunications citizen portal.
It lets you report suspected fraud that reached you by call, SMS or WhatsApp.
The reports are checked, and numbers found misusing the network can be disconnected.
What can I report there?
Calls pretending to be from TRAI, DoT, the police or other officials.
Fake KYC messages from "your bank", or bills from "your electricity board".
Investment and trading tips that promise guaranteed returns.
Fake customer care numbers, job offers and lottery wins.
Messages threatening to cut your SIM or your connection.
What should I not use it for?
If you have already lost money, Chakshu is the wrong place.
Call 1930 and report at cybercrime.gov.in instead.
Speed matters there, because the money can sometimes still be stopped.
Ordinary marketing spam has its own separate option on the same portal.
How do I report?
Open sancharsaathi.gov.in or the Sanchar Saathi app.
Choose the option to report suspected fraud communication.
Pick whether it came by call, SMS or WhatsApp, and choose the category.
Enter the number or sender, the date and time, and add a screenshot if you have one.
Verify with the OTP sent to your own number, then submit.
Does reporting actually do anything?
Yes.
The department uses these reports to find numbers and handsets being misused.
Large numbers of connections have been cut off based on what people reported.
Each report makes the next person a little safer.
Things to Remember
- Report suspicious calls, SMS and WhatsApp on Chakshu at
sancharsaathi.gov.in. - Keep a screenshot before you delete or block the sender.
- Chakshu is for suspected fraud where no money was lost.
- Lost money? Call 1930 and report at cybercrime.gov.in instead.
- Report soon, while the details are fresh.