The Department of Telecommunication (DoT) has launched a portal – tafcop.dgtelecom.gov.in to help people to track if someone is using their mobile numbers under their name without their knowledge. This portal will also make it easy to find out the number of mobile numbers in active use on any single person’s name.

The step has been taken keeping in view the large number of incidents reported of unauthorized use of one’s personal details by others for taking mobile sim cards and then misusing them for unlawful and illegal activities. The department has introduced this tool especially to help people get rid of the mobile numbers which they are actually not using, said A. Robert Ravi, Deputy Director General of DoT.  

The website will enable people to find out the number of mobile connections issued in their name. They can then raise a request to block such numbers which are issued in their name but not currently used by them, he said. 

The DoT officials further added that the total number of mobile connections that can be issued to an individual is capped at nine.  However, certain users have more than 9 mobile numbers operational in their names. The new tool will simplify the process and experience for consumers in the licensed service area for states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, he said. 

The same service will be provided to the other circles also but in a phased manner. Users can check the details by using an active number and OTP on the online portal. 

The department has decided to inform the users through SMS about the number of mobile connections operational in their names. The consumers can visit the site and report about the connections they no longer use and don’t require. Based on the action taken by the user, the telecom service provider will block or deactivate the particular number. The customers will then be provided ticket IDs with the help of which they can track the progress of action requested, he said.