The government has introduced the TAFCOP portal to enable mobile users in India to monitor and flag unrecognised SIM connections linked to their identity, aiming to curb unauthorised usage and related cybercrime risks.
Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers are now deeply embedded in everyday life, from banking and UPI to social media and other online accounts, which makes any unauthorised SIM issued in someone’s name a serious risk. According to the Department of Telecommunications, misuse of a connection obtained with another person’s identity can expose that person to questioning or legal trouble if the number is later tied to fraud or other illegal activity.
To help users check for this, the government has created the Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection portal, known as TAFCOP. The official portal says it lets people see how many mobile connections are active against their identity details and helps them spot SIM cards that may have been issued without their knowledge.
The process is straightforward: users enter their current mobile number on the TAFCOP website, complete the captcha and request an OTP. After logging in with that code, the portal displays the list of connections linked to the user’s identity, including numbers from different telecom operators. If an unfamiliar number appears, the user can flag it with the “Not my number” option. If a connection used to be theirs but is no longer needed, they can mark it as “Not required”; known and active numbers can be confirmed with “Required”.
Officials say routine checks matter because bogus connections can be used for cyber fraud, fake bank accounts and other criminal activity. The Department of Telecommunications has warned that SIM cards misused in criminal cases can attract penalties including a fine of up to ₹50 lakh and prison terms of up to three years. For that reason, users are being urged to review their linked numbers regularly and report anything they do not recognise.
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