Unknown SIM linked to your Aadhaar? Check before it's too late; here's how to identify

The government has made digital Know Your Customer (KYC), or e-KYC, mandatory for getting a new mobile SIM connection. It has also banned the issuance of bulk SIM cards to general consumers as part of measures to prevent telecom-related fraud, Bhaskar English reported.

Under the rules of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), an individual can have a maximum of nine mobile connections registered in their name using their Aadhaar details. The limit is six connections in Assam, the North-Eastern states and Jammu & Kashmir.

With the growing misuse of identity documents, it is important to regularly check how many mobile numbers are registered in your name.

Aadhaar is considered one of the important valid proofs of identity when a new SIM card is issued by telecom companies. While Aadhaar verification makes the process easier, misuse of these details can put consumers at risk.

How can you check mobile connections issued in your name?

The government has introduced the Sanchar Saathi portal to help consumers identify and report unauthorised mobile connections.

The portal includes the Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection (TAFCOP) facility, which allows users to check all mobile connections issued in their name and report numbers they do not recognise.

To check your mobile connections:

• Visit the official Sanchar Saathi website and select the option to check mobile connections issued in your name.
• Enter your active 10-digit mobile number.
• Enter the captcha code displayed on the screen.
• Complete the verification using the OTP sent to your mobile number.
• Once verified, the mobile numbers registered in your name will be displayed.
• If you find a number that you do not recognise, you can report it through the portal instead of ignoring it.

What are the latest rules for issuing SIM cards?

The government has tightened the rules governing mobile connections. e-KYC is mandatory when obtaining a new SIM, while bulk SIM sales to general consumers have been banned.

There are also stricter rules for re-issuing deactivated mobile numbers. A 90-day waiting period is mandatory before an inactive number can be allotted to another person.

How many SIM cards can one person have?

Under DoT rules, an Indian citizen can have a maximum of nine mobile connections registered in their name.

The limit is six connections for consumers in Assam, the North-Eastern states and Jammu & Kashmir.

The TAFCOP facility under Sanchar Saathi is designed to help consumers identify fraudulent or unauthorised SIM connections registered in their names and report them to the authorities.