The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched a portal ‘tafcop.dgtelecom.gov.in’ that would enable people to check if someone is using a mobile number on his or her name without their knowledge.
The move has been undertaken in view of the increasing incidents of unauthorised use of one’s details by others for taking mobile SIM cards and misusing them for illegal or unlawful purposes.
As per the DoT, the number of mobile connections that can be issued to any individual is restricted to nine. However, more than nine mobile connections are operational in the names of certain users.
The online tool would help people to identify the number of mobile connections issued in their name and request blocking of numbers which are issued in their name, but actually not used by them. Through the portal, the DoT will alert the consumers through SMS informing about the number of mobile connections working in their names. The consumers can visit the portal and report the numbers that are no longer used by them or not required. Once the action is taken by the user, the telecom service providers will block or deactivate the numbers. The consumers will be provided ticket IDs with which they can track the progress of action requested.
Currently, the portal will streamline the process for consumers in the licensed service area of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The service will later be extended to other circles in a phased manner.
