How Many SIM Cards Are Active on Your Aadhaar Card? Check and Block Fake Numbers Instantly
Super Admin··6 min read
How Many SIM Cards Are Active on Your Aadhaar Card? Check Instantly and Block Fake Numbers
In today's digital era, mobile phones and the internet have become an essential part of our lives. However, along with this convenience, the threat of online fraud and cyber crimes has also increased rapidly. Did you know that someone else could secretly be running a fake SIM card using your Aadhaar Card?
If a criminal carries out any illegal activity using a SIM card issued on your Aadhaar card, you will be considered the primary suspect in the eyes of the law. To tackle this serious threat, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, has launched an extremely useful portal named the Sanchar Saathi Portal. With the help of the TAFCOP tool on this portal, you can find out in just 2 minutes how many mobile numbers are active in your name and immediately file a report to block any suspicious numbers.
What is the Sanchar Saathi and TAFCOP Portal?
Sanchar Saathi is a citizen-centric initiative launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. Its primary objective is to strengthen the security of mobile consumers and make them aware of the connections issued in their name.
Within this portal, there is a special module called TAFCOP (Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection). This module allows users to view all mobile numbers running in their name and block unauthorized (unauthorised) numbers.
What is the Limit for Holding SIM Cards in India?
According to the rules of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), an individual in India can hold only a limited number of mobile connections in their name:
- For General States: An individual can hold a maximum of 9 mobile connections (SIM Cards) in their name.
- For Special States: For residents of Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and North-Eastern states, this limit is a maximum of 6 mobile connections.
If more SIM cards than this prescribed limit are found active in your name, the Department of Telecommunications places the additional numbers under re-verification and eventually blocks them.
How Many SIMs Are Active in Your Name? Check Step-by-Step
The process of checking the mobile numbers active on your Aadhaar card or identity card is extremely easy and completely free of charge. To do this, you need to follow the steps given below:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
First of all, open the official website of Sanchar Saathi sancharsaathi.gov.in in your mobile or laptop browser. You can also go directly to its TAFCOP portal tafcop.sancharsaathi.gov.in.
Step 2: Select 'Know Mobile Connections' Option
Scroll down on the homepage and go to the Citizen Centric Services section. Here, you will see the option 'Know Mobile Connections in Your Name', click on it.
Step 3: Enter Your Mobile Number
Now, a new login page will open before you. Enter your currently active 10-digit mobile number here (make sure this number is registered in your name).
Step 4: Enter Captcha Code and OTP
Fill in the Captcha Code shown on the screen correctly and click on 'Validate Captcha'. After this, an OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your mobile number. Enter that OTP and click on the 'Login' button.
Step 5: View the List of Active Numbers
As soon as you log in, a list of all the mobile numbers active in your name or on your Aadhaar KYC document will appear on the screen. For security reasons, only the first and last few digits of these numbers are visible.
How to Instantly Block Fake or Unnecessary Numbers?
When you view the list of mobile numbers registered in your name, you will see three options next to each number:
- Not My Number: Choose this option if a number appears in the list that you have never purchased. This is usually the case with fake SIM cards.
- Not Required: Choose this option if the number belongs to you, but you no longer use it and want to shut it down.
- Required: Choose this option for the numbers you are currently using and wish to keep active.
Reporting Process:
- Tick the checkbox on the left side of the number you want to block.
- Select the appropriate option (Not My Number or Not Required).
- After this, click on the 'Report' or 'Submit' button.
- As soon as the report is submitted, you will receive a Ticket ID / Reference Number. Keep this safe so that you can track the status of your complaint in the future.
SIM Card Re-verification and Blocking Timeline
When you report a number or the Department of Telecommunications suspects a number, the re-verification process is initiated by telecom companies (like Airtel, Jio, Vi). The timeline prescribed by the department is explained in the table below:
| Activity | Prescribed Timeline |
|---|---|
| Outgoing Suspension | Within 30 days of being flagged or reported |
| Incoming Suspension | Within 45 days of being flagged or reported |
| Disconnection | Within 60 days if re-verification fails |
| Special Grace Period (International roaming/hospitalization) | An additional grace period of 30 days can be granted |
Important Note: If a person is caught obtaining a SIM card using fake or forged documents, a police complaint or FIR can also be registered against them.
Safety Tips to Avoid Aadhaar Card and SIM Card Fraud
Just checking the numbers is not enough; you must also take some basic precautions to avoid such fraud in the future:
- Never Share OTP: Never share an OTP received from any government portal or bank with any unknown person.
- Check at Regular Intervals: Make sure to visit the Sanchar Saathi portal once every 6 months to check the active SIM cards in your name.
- Sign Photocopies: Whenever you submit a photocopy of your Aadhaar card for any purpose, always write the date and the purpose of submission (e.g., "Only for Bank KYC") on it to prevent its misuse.
- Use Biometric Lock: Keep your Aadhaar card biometrics locked through the official website of UIDAI or the mAadhaar app. This will prevent anyone from getting a new SIM on your Aadhaar without your permission.
Conclusion
Fake SIM cards running in your name not only threaten your privacy but can also land you in serious legal trouble. The Sanchar Saathi (TAFCOP) portal is a highly commendable step taken by the government, empowering every citizen of the country to secure their digital identity. Visit this portal today and ensure that no unauthorized numbers are active in your name.
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