Introduction
The TAFCOP consumer portal is part of the larger Sanchar Saathi portal developed by the DoT. It leverages telecom analytics to detect and prevent fraudulent activities and protect consumer interests. This article provides a comprehensive overview of TAFCOP, how it works, its key features and benefits for consumers.
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What is TAFCOP?
TAFCOP or Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection is an online portal launched by DoT to help mobile subscribers keep track of the number of connections issued in their name by various telecom service providers in India.
It uses advanced telecom analytics software to find suspicious linkage patterns and detect cases where more than 9 mobile connections are issued on a single ID proof document like Aadhaar. This helps curb the menace of bulk issuance of SIM cards on fake identities which aids criminal activities.
The TAFCOP system sends proactive SMS alerts to consumers who have more than 9 active mobile connections in their name across different service providers. This empowers them to cross-check and take suitable action if any unauthorized connection is found.
Objectives of TAFCOP
The main objectives of TAFCOP portal are:
- Empower telecom consumers to self-regulate the number of connections in their name
- Curb fraudulent issuance of bulk SIM cards through analytics
- Protect consumers from potential frauds and misuse of their identity
- Enable consumers to report suspicious activities related to their mobile connections
- Make the process of due diligence by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) more efficient
- Promote greater transparency and compliance in the issuance of mobile connections
Key Features of TAFCOP
Some of the key features of the TAFCOP portal are:
- Centralized database – It maintains a centralized, integrated database of all mobile connections working across different TSPs.
- Connection status – Consumers can check the total number of active mobile connections currently working in their name.
- Proactive alerts – Subscribers having more than 9 connections receive scheduled SMS alerts.
- Self-regulation – Users can cross-verify connections and take necessary actions through the portal.
- Online reporting – Consumers can report suspicious activities related to their mobile number.
- Grievance management – Complaints can be lodged regarding unauthorized mobile connections.
- Progress tracking – Users can track status of submitted complaints using the ticket ID.
How does TAFCOP Portal Work?
The working process of TAFCOP portal can be understood in the following steps:
Step 1: Database Creation
DoT has mandated that all TSPs share their subscriber database with the system on a periodic basis. This enables the creation of a centralized database of mobile subscribers across providers.
Step 2: Analytics
The telecom analytics engine analyses the centralized database to identify subscribers with over 9 active mobile connections. It also detects suspicious linkage patterns to curb fraudulent bulk connections.
Step 3: Proactive SMS Alerts
The analytics engine flags subscribers with more than 9 connections for proactive SMS alerts to be sent periodically to their registered mobile numbers.
Step 4: Consumer Self-Regulation
On receiving SMS alerts, consumers can log into the TAFCOP portal using their mobile number and OTP to view details of mobile connections working in their name. They can verify and take suitable actions for any unauthorized connections found.
Step 5: Online Reporting
If consumers notice suspicious activities regarding their mobile number, they can immediately report it through the online reporting facility available on the portal.
Step 6: Grievance Management
For complaints related to unauthorized mobile connections, users can submit their grievance on the portal and track status using the ticket ID. The DoT coordinates with respective TSPs for resolution.
Step 7: Improved Compliance
TAFCOP enables improved compliance, transparency and efficiency in the customer acquisition process followed by TSPs.
User Registration Process on TAFCOP
To use the services of TAFCOP, consumers need to first register on the portal.
The user registration process is simple and involves the following steps:
- Visit TAFCOP website – Go to https://tafcop.dot.gov.in portal and click on ‘Register’ button.
- Enter details – Provide your mobile number, email ID, name, age, gender and address details on the form.
- OTP verification – An OTP will be sent to your mobile number which needs to be entered to verify the number.
- Set password – Create a password as per password policy to complete registration process.
- Registration complete – Your TAFCOP account gets created and you can now login using mobile number and password.
How to Check Number of Connections?
Follow these simple steps to check the number of active mobile connections currently issued in your name:
- Login to TAFCOP portal using your registered mobile number and password
- On the dashboard, go to the ‘My Connections’ tab
- Here you can view the total number of active mobile connections mapped to your identity documents like Aadhaar
- The list also shows the names of telecom service providers along with associated mobile numbers
- If you find more than 9 connections, you can raise a disconnection request on the portal
How to Report Suspicious Activity?
If you notice any suspicious activity related to your mobile number, here are the steps to report it on TAFCOP portal:
- Login to the TAFCOP portal and visit the ‘Submit New Request’ section
- Select the request type as ‘Reporting Suspicious Activity’ and fill the form
- Provide your registered mobile number and details of the suspicious activity noticed
- Attach supporting documents if available to substantiate your complaint
- Upon submission, you will get a ticket ID to track status of the complaint
How to Disconnect Unauthorized Connection?
In case you find any unauthorized mobile number linked to your documents, you can submit a disconnection request through TAFCOP:
- Login to TAFCOP portal and go to ‘Submit New Request’ section
- Select request type as ‘Disconnect Unknown Connection’ and fill details
- Enter the unauthorized mobile number, associated telecom service provider
- Provide the reason for seeking disconnection of the given number
- Attach copy of your identity document as proof
- On submission, you will get a ticket ID to track the status of disconnection request
Limitations of TAFCOP
While TAFCOP is a useful initiative, it also has some limitations that must be considered:
- Portal is currently available only for 15 states and UTs, pan-India roll out is still pending
- Consumers have to proactively check the portal to identify unauthorized connections
- Technical limitations in detecting fraudulent bulk connections issued through manipulated identity documents
- Grievance resolution depends on coordination with TSPs which may cause delays
- Low awareness among public regarding the portal and how to use it
- Concerns around potential misuse of subscriber data shared on the portal
TAFCOP Support
The DoT has set up dedicated technical support for assisting consumers who need help in accessing and using the TAFCOP portal.
- Technical Helpline
- Toll-Free Number: 14546
- Timings: Mon-Sat (9:30 AM – 6 PM)
- Email: tafcop-dot[at]gov[dot]in
- Grievance Redressal
- For complaints, suggestions, or grievances related to TAFCOP, consumers can contact:
- Toll-Free Number: 18001104
- Timings: Mon-Sat (9:30 AM – 6 PM)
- Email: pgportal-dot[at]gov[dot]in
Conclusion
The TAFCOP portal empowers telecom consumers by enabling them to self-regulate the mobile connections issued in their name. By leveraging analytics, it aids in the detection of fraudulent connections and protects consumers from potential identity misuse. While there is scope for improvement, TAFCOP is a promising step towards increased transparency, compliance and consumer protection in the Indian telecom sector. Consumers must proactively use the facilities of this portal for safeguarding their digital identities.
FAQs
What is TAFCOP portal?
TAFCOP or Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection is an online portal launched by Department of Telecommunications, Government of India. It allows mobile subscribers to check the number of active mobile connections working in their name across different service providers.
Who provides the TAFCOP service?
TAFCOP service is provided by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India.
Is TAFCOP portal free to use?
Yes, TAFCOP is a free portal for telecom consumers. Subscribers do not need to pay any fee to check the number of connections or raise complaints on the portal.
How can I register on the TAFCOP portal?
To register, go to the website and click on Register. Provide your mobile number, OTP sent on it, name, age, gender and address to complete registration. Set a password to create your account.
What details can I view in my TAFCOP account?
After logging into the TAFCOP portal using your mobile number and password, you can view the total number of active mobile connections currently working in your name across different service providers.
How does TAFCOP help consumers?
TAFCOP helps consumers self-regulate the mobile connections activated in their name, report suspicious activities on their number and disconnect unauthorized connections issued fraudulently.
What should I do if TAFCOP shows more than 9 connections on my name?
If you have more than 9 active mobile connections on your name, you should report it immediately on the TAFCOP portal and place a disconnection request for the unauthorized numbers.
Can I track status of my complaints on TAFCOP portal?
Yes, when you submit a complaint on TAFCOP portal, a ticket ID is generated. You can use this unique ticket ID to track the status of your complaint.
Is my personal data safe on TAFCOP platform?
TAFCOP portal has deployed appropriate cyber security controls and protocols to protect subscribers’ sensitive personal data and ensure its confidentiality.