How to use Chakshu portal to report scam, spam calls, messages, etc

The Ministry of Telecommunications has introduced a new facility for people in India to report suspected fraudulent messages. The government has introduced a new Chakshu portal under its Sanchar Sathi initiative. The new portal aims to detect and prevent suspected scam calls and messages.

Union IT and Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnau says the new portal offers “a user-friendly platform that will help subscribers report any suspicious communication immediately, be it a call, SMS or WhatsApp message”. So, suppose you are wondering how to use this portal to protect yourself from potential fraudulent activities that happen through calls, messages, etc. If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article we will talk about how to register your complaint on Chakshu portal for any fraudulent calls or messages.

What is Chakshu Portal?

The Chakshu Portal is a new initiative by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to curb suspected fraudulent communications, simply put, cyber fraud. The feature is now available on the Sanchar Saathi website. People across the country can now report cyber scams like fake customer service hotlines, bank accounts, payment wallets, gas connections, impersonating government officials, etc. With the new Chakshu portal, users can report such cyber scams through calls, SMS or even WhatsApp.

Additionally, the DoT has also introduced a Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) that enables sharing of information with law enforcement agencies, banks and other financial institutions to combat this type of fraud. So the Chakshu portal and DIP are expected to help detect and prevent cyber fraud across the country.

How do I report a suspected fraud message received by calling the Chakshu portal?

The portal allows users to report suspected cyber fraud through calls. Here’s how you can report scam calls:

Step 1: Go to the website sancharsaathi.gov.in and scroll down to Citizen Centric Services.

Step 2: Select the Chakshu option under this section and then click continue to report.

Step 3: Select the scam category from the drop-down menu and attach a screenshot of the call.

Step 4: Enter the mobile number from which you received the suspected fraud message

Step 5: Enter the date and time of the scam call and provide the detailed complaint.

Step 6: Finally enter your personal details, verify them with OTP and submit the complaint.

How do I report a suspected fraud message received via SMS on the Chakshu Portal?

The portal also allows users to report spam or suspected cyber fraud via messages. Here’s how to file a complaint.

Stage 1: Visit the website sancharsaathi.gov.in and open the Citizen Oriented Services tab by scrolling down.

Step 2: Select the Chakshu option from this section and proceed by clicking Continue to report.

Step 3: Select Medium as SMS. Now select the scam category from the drop-down menu and attach a screenshot of the message you received.

Step 4: Select the type of suspected SMS, whether it was received with a short code (example AX-BCDEFS) or without a short code.

Step 5: Enter the mobile number from which you received the alleged fraudulent communication.

Step 6: Indicate the date and time of the fraudulent call and provide a detailed complaint.

Step 7: Finally enter your personal information, verify it with OTP and submit the complaint.

How do I report a suspected scam message received through WhatsApp on Chakshu Portal?

The portal also allows you to report any fraudulent messages or calls you receive on the WhatsApp app. However, it is important to note that you need to tell WhatsApp the same so that they can take the necessary steps to detect and prevent such cyber scams.

Stage 1: From the Chakshu menu, select Medium as WhatsApp.

Step 2: Select the scam category from the drop-down menu and attach a screenshot of the message you received.

Step 3: Select the type of alleged WhatsApp communication, whether it is a WhatsApp call or a WhatsApp message.

Step 4: Enter the mobile number associated with the suspected fraudulent communication.

Step 5: Indicate the date and time of the fraudulent call and submit a detailed complaint.

Step 6: Finally, enter your personal information, verify it with the OTP and proceed with the complaint.

Things you can report on Chakshu Portal

Here is a list of things you can report on the Chakshu portal:

• KYC related to banks, electricity, gas connections, insurance policies etc.
• Impersonation as a government official/relative
• Fake customer service line
• People offering supposed online jobs, sweepstakes, giveaways and loan offers
• Sexual blackmail
• Multiple automated/robotic communication
• Messages containing malicious links/websites
• Any other suspected fraud

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can we report cybercrime or financial fraud on the Chakshu portal?

No, the Chakshu facility does not handle financial fraud or cybercrime cases. If you have already lost money due to such a financial scam or are a victim of cybercrime, you should report it to cybercrime.

Do we have to provide personal details when submitting a complaint on the Chakshu portal?

You need to provide your name and mobile number before filing complaint on Chkshu portal.