DoT tracker for unauthorised SIM cards in your name
Unauthorised SIM cards are a nightmare for any citizen as it can land anyone in a web of troubles
We all submit photocopies of KYC documents such as Aadhaar card, voter’s identity card, or passport, to obtain SIM cards. But what happens if such documents are used by crooks and fraudsters to obtain SIM cards in our name and indulge in criminal use?
It is something nightmares are made of.
Now, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched a portal named tafcop.dgtelecom.gov.in that allows individuals to check the usage of a mobile number in his or her name without permission or knowledge.
The affected users can also block such unauthorised numbers, if any, within a minute. The portal was in operation since November 2020 and finally launched in April.
Though the service is not yet available throughout the country, the people of the state of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and some parts of Tamil Nadu have access to this portal, and they can check whether any unauthorised SIM has been issued in their name.
Permitted in law
According to earlier guidelines, nine mobile connections can be issued to an individual. If anybody is found allotted more than nine mobile numbers, the additional numbers will be deactivated by DoT.
But in 2018, the government increased this number from 9 to 18 SIM cards per head along with eSIM. With an eSIM, users need not buy a new SIM while changing their service provider or buying a new connection.
How does it work?
Users can log in to the portal tafcop.dgtelecom.gov.in and key in the authorised/bonafide number that he/she is currently using.
An OTP will be generated and he/she has to type in that OTP at the designated place in the portal.
The department will alert the consumer via text message about the total number of connections active in their names and the details.
The person can then block any number that is not in use by the user or unauthorised by sending a request to DoT.
The department will issue a tracking ID to track the requests. Generally, within 48 hours the whole process will be completed.
Future plan
A DoT official confirmed that this service will be extended to other circles (beyond Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and some parts of Tamil Nadu) in a phased manner.
It will take another a year or two to make it available everywhere.
“In recent times there are lots of incidents of unauthorised use of one’s details for obtaining mobile SIM cards and misusing them for illegal or unlawful purposes, The department has come up with this online tool to help people. Users can eliminate or block numbers which they are not using,” said a DoT official requesting anonymity.