In an effort to combat the growing menace of cyber fraud, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently introduced a groundbreaking facility: the Chakshu Portal. This new tool, part of the Sanchar Saathi initiative, allows citizens of India to report suspected fraud communications. Whether you receive a suspicious call, SMS, or WhatsApp message, the Chakshu Portal offers a streamlined, user-friendly platform to help you take action.
What is the Chakshu portal?
The Chakshu Portal is an innovative initiative by the DoT designed to curb cyber fraud across India. Available on the Sanchar Saathi website, this portal empowers users to report various types of cyber frauds, such as fake customer care helplines, fraudulent bank accounts, deceptive payment wallets, and more. With the integration of the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP), the portal facilitates information sharing with law enforcement agencies, banks, and other financial institutions, enhancing the nationwide effort to detect and prevent cyber fraud.
Why the Chakshu portal is important?
The Government of India describes Chakshu as a “user-friendly platform that will help subscribers to promptly report any suspicious communication, whether it be a call, SMS, or a WhatsApp message.” This portal not only helps in reporting fraud but also serves as a crucial tool in safeguarding oneself from potential fraudulent activities.
Types of fraud you can report on the Chakshu portal
The Chakshu portal allows you to report a wide range of fraudulent activities, including but not limited to:
– KYC fraud: Issues related to banks, electricity, gas connections, insurance policies, etc.
– Impersonation: Individuals pretending to be government officials or relatives.
– Fake customer care: Deceptive customer care helplines.
– Suspicious offers: Fraudulent job offers, lotteries, gifts, and loan offers.
– Sextortion: Threats or coercion involving intimate images.
– Automated calls: Multiple automated or robotic communications.
– Malicious links: Messages containing harmful links or websites.
How to use the Chakshu portal?
Reporting fraud calls
If you receive a suspicious call, follow these steps to report it on the Chakshu Portal:
- Visit the Sanchar Saathi website: Go to [sancharsaathi.gov.in](https://sancharsaathi.gov.in) and navigate to the Citizen Centric Services section.
- Select Chakshu: Choose the Chakshu option and click continue for reporting.
- Choose fraud category: Select the appropriate fraud category from the drop-down menu and attach a screenshot of the call.
- Enter call details: Provide the mobile number from which you received the call, along with the date and time.
- Submit personal information: Enter your personal details, verify with an OTP, and submit your complaint.
Reporting fraud SMS
To report a suspicious SMS, follow these steps:
- Access the Sanchar Saathi website: Go to [sancharsaathi.gov.in](https://sancharsaathi.gov.in) and scroll to the Citizen Centric Services section.
- Select Chakshu: Click on the Chakshu option. Click on continue for reporting.
- Choose medium as SMS: Select SMS as the medium and choose the fraud category from the drop-down menu.
- Attach screenshot: Attach a screenshot of the message you received.
- Input SMS details: Specify if the SMS was received with or without a shortcode and enter the sender’s mobile number.
- Provide date and time: Indicate the date and time of the fraudulent SMS.
- Submit complaint: Enter your personal information, verify with an OTP, and submit your complaint.
Reporting fraud WhatsApp messages
For reporting fraudulent WhatsApp messages or calls:
- Select WhatsApp as medium: From the Chakshu menu, choose WhatsApp as the medium.
- Choose fraud category: Select the appropriate fraud category and attach a screenshot of the message.
- Specify communication type: Indicate whether it was a WhatsApp call or message.
- Enter details: Provide the mobile number linked to the suspected communication and the date and time.
- Submit information: Enter your personal details, authenticate with an OTP, and submit your complaint.
Enhancing security with the Chakshu portal
By reporting fraudulent activities through the Chakshu portal, you contribute to a safer digital environment. The integration with the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) enhances this effort by enabling efficient information sharing with relevant authorities, thereby strengthening the overall fight against cyber fraud.
