Have you ever received a call from someone pretending to be the bank manager? Or received a text message asking you to click a link to claim a prize you never won? We have all experienced such incidents at some point in our lives. These are online scams that are becoming increasingly sophisticated day by day. However, here is the good news! Recently, the Government of India launched a free app called Sannchar Saathi, which helps users combat telecom and mobile-based scams.
In this article, we will discuss about top scams you can prevent with the Sanchar Saathi app. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Also read: How to Check Mobile Connections In Your Name With Sanchar Saathi
What is Sanchar Saathi?
Sanchar Saathi is a free app launched by the Department of Telecommunications in India. The app provides you with tools to keep your phone number and mobile device safe. Here are a few things that these app lets you do.
- It allows you to see how many mobile connections are registered in your name. Therefore, if you find any that you didn’t take, you can report it.
- The app allows you to verify whether a mobile phone you’ve purchased is genuine by entering its IMEI number. Therefore, you don’t buy a fake.
- It helps you block a lost or stolen phone so nobody else can use it on any network in India.
- The app allows you to report suspected fraudulent communication.
- It helps you report an incoming international call that shows an Indian number.
Also read: How to Use Sanchar Saathi to Track Lost or Stolen Phones
Top Scams You Can Prevent With Sanchar Saathi
Now that you know what the Sanchar Saathi app is, let’s examine the specific scams it helps you prevent.
SIM Card Fraud Scam
One of the most common scams is when someone uses your identity to buy a SIM card. Their intention is to make spam and illegal calls and messages and you’re not aware of it. In that case, you might later get calls, bills, or worse, legal trouble. You could get blamed for something you didn’t do. Here is where the Sanchar Saathi app helps. All you need to do is log in and check “Know mobile connections in your name.” If you discover any extra SIMs you didn’t receive, you can report them and prevent a scam before it causes major damage.
Fake Handsets Scam
Suppose you buy a new phone, but the phone is fake or its IMEI is cloned or blacklisted. Someone could use the phone for doing wrong things, so you could end up in a mess. For that, you need to use the app’s “Know the genuineness of your mobile handset feature.” All you need to do is enter the IMEI number of your phone and check if it is genuine or not. Therefore, you can avoid the scam of buying something that seems too good to be true. You can also prevent yourself from becoming a part of someone else’s fraud.
Also read: Why Every Smartphone User Should Register On Sanchar Saathi?
Stolen Phone Misuse Scam
If your phone is lost or stolen, a fraudster could use it to make spoofed calls, change your banking apps, or leave you vulnerable. You can prevent it by using Sanchar Saathi’s “Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile Handset” feature. It helps you trace and block the device so no one else can misuse it.
Calls or SMS Pretending to be Official
This type of scam is super common. In that, you get a text message that says “Your KYC needs updating, click on this attached link” or receive a call “We are from the bank/RBI. You must transfer money.” The scammer tries to make you panic and act quickly. Remember real companies send official letters or emails. They give you time and never send urgent texts with links asking for personal information.
You need to use the “Chakshu – Report Suspected Fraud Communication” feature. You can report messages or calls that look fishy and help authorities know about scams.
If you use this type of app, you become aware of the scam types so that you’re less likely to fall.
International Spoofed Call Scam
Suppose you get a call from an Indian number, but it is actually coming from abroad. They try to fool you by pretending to be a local number. In the Sanchar Saathi app, there is a feature “Report Incoming International Call With Indian Number.” You can use this feature and report such calls. When you report such calls, you can help block these illegal setups and protect yourself and others.
Also read: How To Report Fraudulent Mobile Connections With Sanchar Saathi?
Investment and Trading Scam
You receive a WhatsApp message promising that you can quickly double your money through trading and investment. They show fake profits and encourage and pressure you to invest fast. It is one of the most common money-stealing tricks. Sanchar Saathi enables citizens to report suspected fraudulent communications related to investment and trading schemes via phone calls, SMS, or WhatsApp. Simply upload a screenshot of the suspicious message and submit the details through the app. It helps authorities track down these scam operations.
Digital Arrest Scam
It is the new scam that is quite frightening. Scammers video call you and dress up like police officers. They show fake ID cards and say that you’re under digital arrest for a crime. They demand money to release you. Remember that there is no such thing as digital arrest. You can directly report such fraud attempts on the Sanchar Saathi app. The app forwards your complaint to the right authorities, who have the authority to take legal action. Real police officers never arrest people over video calls.
Epilogue
Generally, scams thrive in silence and work because victims feel embarrassed to report them. However, remember that there is no shame in being targeted. Sanchar Saathi app empowers you to use your smartphone safely. Even if you misplace your phone or someone steals it, you can still keep track of it so that no one can use it. So, download the app today to start using your smartphone with confidence and make this app a part of your regular phone safety habit.
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