The Chakshu portal is a government facility that lets you report suspicious calls, SMS and WhatsApp messages. It sits inside Sanchar Saathi, the Department of Telecommunications platform. So if a stranger claims your SIM will be blocked or your KYC has expired, this is where you report the number.
Quick answer
- Where: sancharsaathi.gov.in or the Sanchar Saathi app.
- What you can report: suspected fraud calls, SMS and WhatsApp messages.
- Time window: communication received in the last 30 days.
- Verification: an OTP on your mobile number.
- Lost money already? Call 1930 or use cybercrime.gov.in instead.
What the Chakshu portal is for
Chakshu helps the telecom department spot misuse of phone numbers. According to the Sanchar Saathi portal, it covers calls, SMS and WhatsApp messages where the sender’s number is visible. Examples include people posing as DoT, TRAI, police or other officials. It also covers fake KYC updates and fraudulent payment or investment requests.
Upstox lists similar examples, such as KYC expiry notices for a bank account, SIM, wallet or gas connection. It also names sextortion attempts. In short, if the message tries to frighten you or rush you into paying, it fits.
How to use the Chakshu portal, step by step
- Open sancharsaathi.gov.in, or the Sanchar Saathi app on your phone.
- Choose the option to report suspected fraud communication.
- Select the medium: call, SMS or WhatsApp.
- Pick the category that fits, such as KYC fraud or impersonation.
- Describe what happened. A screenshot is optional but useful.
- Verify your own mobile number with the OTP.
- Enter your name and submit the report.
Keep the sender’s number and the date ready before you start. Also, report soon, because the portal accepts only communication from the last 30 days.
What happens after you report
Once a report is verified, the department may reverify the subscriber, disconnect the number or file police complaints. However, the portal does not promise action against every sender. Your identity is kept confidential, according to the portal.
There is one warning worth noting. The portal says non genuine reports may lead to action against the person who reports. So only report messages that you honestly believe are fraud.
When Chakshu is the wrong place
Chakshu is not for cases where money has already gone. The portal says plainly that it is not a facility for financial fraud or cyber crime cases. If you have lost money, call the cyber crime helpline on 1930 straight away, or file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in. Speed matters in these cases.
Similarly, if your phone itself is lost or stolen, use the blocking tool instead. We explain that process in our guide to blocking a lost phone through Sanchar Saathi.
Common mistakes to avoid
First, many people delete the message before reporting. Instead, take a screenshot and note the number. Second, some people report a number they simply do not recognise. A missed call from an unknown number is not proof of fraud.
Third, never share an OTP with the caller while you are on the phone. The OTP for Chakshu goes only to the portal, and only on your own number. Finally, do not click links in the suspicious message while you check it.
Reporting takes a few minutes. Still, each report gives the telecom department information it can act on, so it is worth doing.
FAQ
What is the Chakshu portal?
It is a Sanchar Saathi facility where you report suspected fraud calls, SMS and WhatsApp messages. The Department of Telecommunications uses the reports to act against misuse of phone numbers.
Can I report a scam after losing money on the Chakshu portal?
No. The portal says it is not for financial fraud or cyber crime cases. Call 1930 or file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in for those.
How old can the message be?
The communication should have been received within the last 30 days. Older incidents may not be accepted, so report as soon as you can.