Sanchar Saathi App: Why Is It Suddenly Trending? How Does It Really Work?

Sanchar Saathi App: Why Is It Suddenly Trending? How Does It Really Work?

The government’s fraud-reporting tool Sanchar Saathi has once again come into the spotlight. After the Centre announced that the app could come pre-installed on new phones, a wave of confusion and criticism followed. Many users wondered whether the app was now mandatory.

In response, the Centre clarified that while the app may come preloaded, users can delete it if they want.
But now the big question is — how does Sanchar Saathi actually work?

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How Sanchar Saathi Works

Once you install the Sanchar Saathi app, your phone’s IMEI number gets linked to the CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register).

• IMEI is a unique 15-digit code assigned to every mobile device.

• CEIR is a centralized government database that stores the IMEI details of all legally purchased mobiles.

If your phone gets lost or stolen, you can report it directly through the app. CEIR will instantly inform all telecom networks and block the IMEI. Even if a thief changes the SIM card, the mobile becomes completely useless.

Tampering with an IMEI number is a serious offense. Under the Telecommunications Act 2023, it can lead to:

• Up to 3 years imprisonment

• Fine up to ₹50 lakh

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Key Features of the Sanchar Saathi App

• Report suspicious calls & SMS instantly
  You can directly file a fraud complaint from your call log.

• Check mobile connections in your name
  If any unauthorized SIMs are issued using your ID, you can report them.

• Block lost or stolen phones
  A single request will block the phone across all networks in India.

• Verify mobile authenticity
  Enter the IMEI number to check whether a phone is genuine.
  Useful for buying second-hand devices.

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Impact So Far: Government Stats

Since its launch in January, Sanchar Saathi has delivered impressive results:

• 7 lakh+ lost phones traced and recovered

• 3.7 lakh stolen phones blocked

• 30 million fraudulent mobile connections removed

The app is steadily becoming one of India’s most important digital security tools.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dot.app.sancharsaathi