Reporting Suspicious Messages and Calls Using Portal Chakshu
Every day, many people in India receive calls or messages from unknown numbers. Some say your bank account will be blocked unless you share your details. Others offer fake jobs, loans, or even try to scare you with threats. These are not random mistakes. They are planned frauds.
Scammers often act like they’re from your bank, asking for things like your OTP, card number, or even Aadhaar details. Once you give them this information, they can steal your money within minutes. That’s why it’s important to know how to protect yourself.
To help people stay safe, the Indian government has launched a platform called Portal Chakshu. This is where anyone can report such fraud messages and calls quickly and easily.
What Is Portal Chakshu?
Portal Chakshu is a public service under the Department of Telecommunications. It is part of the bigger initiative called Sanchar Saathi. The aim is simple – stop frauds and protect mobile and internet users.
Through this portal, you can report suspicious calls, SMS, or WhatsApp messages that look like scams. For example, someone pretending to be from a bank, or a message saying your KYC is incomplete. By reporting such things, you help authorities catch fraudsters faster.
This is especially useful for people who are not very tech-savvy. You don’t need to know technical words. The process is made simple so everyone can use it.
What Types of Bank Account Fraud Can Be Reported?
Here are the most common frauds people face, which can be reported through Portal Chakshu:
- Fake KYC Alerts: Messages or calls saying your bank account, SIM, or even gas connection will stop working if you don’t update KYC.
- Fake Bank Calls: Someone pretending to be from a bank asking for your OTP or card PIN.
- False Offers: Calls offering loans, government schemes, or prizes, asking for a small payment to process.
- Job Scams: Messages claiming you got a job offer and asking for your documents or a registration fee.
- Sextortion Messages: Threats where someone tries to blackmail you with personal photos or videos.
- Spam and Robocalls: Automatic calls asking you to press a number or give personal details.
- Fraud WhatsApp Messages: Offers or links on WhatsApp asking you to click or share information.
These messages may look real. Some even have the names of known banks or use professional language. But they are designed to cheat people.
How To Report a Suspicious Call or Message?
Reporting through Portal Chakshu is quite simple. Follow these steps:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to sancharsaathi.gov.in.
- Go to the Chakshu Section: On the homepage, look for “Citizen Services” and click on “Report Suspected Fraud Communication.”
- Choose the Type: Select if it was a call, SMS, or WhatsApp message.
- Enter Details: Fill in the phone number from which you got the message or call, and describe what was said.
- Upload Screenshot (Optional): You can also upload a photo or screenshot if you have it.
- Mobile Number Verification: Enter your own mobile number and verify it with an OTP.
- Submit Your Report: Click on submit. Your complaint is now in the system.
No charges, no documents needed. Just basic details and you’re done.
Why Does Reporting Help Everyone?
When you report a fraud message or call on Portal Chakshu, it is not just for your safety. It helps others too.
Every report helps the government block the numbers that are being used for fraud. If enough people report the same number, action can be taken faster. This may include warning other users, blocking SIMs, and even tracing the person behind the scam.
Think of it like informing the police when you see something wrong. The more people speak up, the harder it becomes for fraudsters to cheat others.
What To Do If You Already Lost Money?
If you have already lost money due to a fraud message or call, then Portal Chakshu is not the right place for filing that specific complaint. This portal is only for reporting suspicious communication.
For financial loss, do this immediately:
- Call the cyber fraud helpline: 1930
- Or report online at www.cybercrime.gov.in
Time is very important in such cases. The sooner you report, the better the chance of getting help.
Simple Tips To Stay Safe
While Portal Chakshu helps in reporting, you can also avoid many scams by following some simple rules:
- Never share your OTP, PIN, or password with anyone.
- Banks never ask for such details over calls or messages.
- Do not click on links in messages from unknown numbers.
- Block and report suspicious WhatsApp forwards.
- Do not install apps from unknown websites.
These habits can save you from losing your hard-earned money.
Final Words
In today’s world, scammers are always trying new tricks to cheat people, especially through mobile and internet. But with simple steps, you can protect yourself and others.
Portal Chakshu is one such step by the government to help citizens report fraud communication quickly. It’s free, easy to use, and made for everyone – whether you live in a village or a big city.
So the next time you get a suspicious call or message about your bank account, don’t ignore it. Report it. Because your small step could stop a big fraud.