Key Takeaways

• Check if your Aadhaar is misused for SIM registrations in 20 seconds from an authentic government source.
• Use the TAFCOP portal by the Department of Telecommunications to track unauthorized SIMs.
• Enter your mobile number, verify with OTP, and view linked SIMs.
• Report any unrecognized numbers for action.
• Lock Aadhaar biometrics and use masked Aadhaar to prevent misuse.

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Introduction

Your Aadhaar card isn’t just an ID—it’s the skeleton key to your digital life. But what if a scammer clones it to register 10 SIMs for their next “get-rich-quick” scheme? This is a growing concern, as fraudsters misuse stolen Aadhaar credentials for illegal activities, leaving innocent people vulnerable to financial fraud or legal troubles.

The Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection (TAFCOP) portal, launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), allows you to check if your Aadhaar has been misused for fraudulent SIM registrations. In this blog, we’ll show you how to check and report unauthorized SIMs linked to your Aadhaar and safeguard your personal information.

The Alarming Rise of Aadhaar-SIM Fraud

• According to the ISB Institute of Data Science, telecom subscription fraud accounts for 35-40% of global telecom frauds, leading to massive financial losses.
• In India, the DoT has disconnected over 26.7 million fraudulent mobile connections and filed 365 FIRs against illegal SIM card sellers.
• The government has flagged nearly 7.9 million suspicious SIM cards through data analysis, highlighting the urgent need for individuals to check their Aadhaar-linked numbers.

With such alarming statistics, it’s crucial to ensure that your Aadhaar details are not being used for unauthorized SIM registrations.

How to Check if Your Aadhaar is Misused for SIM Registrations

Thankfully, the TAFCOP portal makes it incredibly simple to check and report unauthorized mobile numbers linked to your Aadhaar. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the Official TAFCOP Website
   Go to https://tafcop.sancharsaathi.gov.in/, an official government website under the Ministry of Communication.
2. Enter Your Mobile Number
   On the homepage, input your 10-digit mobile number and solve the CAPTCHA.
3. Verify with OTP
   An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter it to log in securely.
4. Check Linked Mobile Numbers
   Once logged in, you’ll see a list of all the mobile numbers linked to your Aadhaar.
5. Report Unauthorized Numbers
   If you find any unfamiliar numbers, select them and choose the ‘This is not my number’ option to report them. Authorities will take necessary action.

This entire process takes less than 20 seconds, making it an efficient way to prevent Aadhaar misuse.

How Fraudsters Use Aadhaar for SIM Registration

Cybercriminals use various tactics to obtain Aadhaar details, including:

• Phishing Attacks: Fake calls, emails, or messages posing as government officials asking for Aadhaar details.
• Data Leaks: Personal data sold on the dark web from breached databases.
• SIM Swap Fraud: Criminals get a duplicate SIM using stolen Aadhaar details and take over bank accounts linked to that number.

Aadhaar-SIM fraud is not just an inconvenience—it can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and even criminal liability if someone misuses a SIM registered in your name.

Preventive Measures to Safeguard Your Aadhaar

1. Lock Your Aadhaar Biometrics
   Prevent unauthorized access by locking your biometrics through the UIDAI website.
2. Use Masked Aadhaar
   When sharing your Aadhaar, use a masked version that hides the first 8 digits.
3. Avoid Sharing Photocopies
   If you must share a copy, write the purpose and date on it to prevent misuse.
4. Regularly Check the TAFCOP Portal
   Make it a habit to verify your linked numbers every few months.
5. Report Suspicious Activity Immediately
   If you suspect misuse, call UIDAI at 1947 or email help@uidai.gov.in.

How We Stay Ahead of the Competition

While telecom providers are taking steps to curb fraud, many still rely on basic KYC verifications. At Perfios, we go beyond standard checks.

Here are some APIs that ensure that your Aadhaar details remain protected, setting us apart from competitors.

1. Aadhaar Number Verification: Verifies the 12-digit Aadhaar number to ensure authenticity before linking it to a SIM. It helps prevent fraudsters from using fake or stolen Aadhaar details.
2. Mobile Authentication with OTP: Verifies the mobile number ownership via OTP before issuing a new SIM. It ensures that the applicant has the number they are trying to register.
3. Aadhaar XML Upload & Verify: Validates the Aadhaar XML file shared by the user, ensuring that the details provided are not tampered with or fake.

Aadhaar XML Upload & Verify: Validates the Aadhaar XML file shared by the user, ensuring that the details provided are not tampered with or fake.

Conclusion

Your Aadhaar is a powerful identity tool, and ensuring its security is crucial in today’s digital world. SIM fraud is real, but with TAFCOP, you now have an easy way to check and report unauthorized numbers linked to your Aadhaar.

Take 20 seconds today to visit TAFCOP and secure your identity. After all, why let fraudsters make calls at your expense?

Stay safe, stay vigilant, and take control of your Aadhaar security now!