IndiaDigital Scam Checker, Chakshu and cybercrime.gov.in: which to use when
Use both. IndiaDigital's Scam Checker is best for a quick, private first look at a message, link, number or UPI ID before you act. The official channels are where action happens: report suspected fraud on Chakshu, and if money is lost, call 1930 or file at cybercrime.gov.in at once. We cannot report, block or recover money.
Best for a private first check of a suspicious SMS, WhatsApp message, link, number or UPI ID, in English, Hindi or Hinglish.
Best (and official) for reporting fraud, blocking numbers and phones, and getting money frozen after a loss.
Check a message now →Facts last checked:
Side by side
| Feature | IndiaDigital | Sanchar Saathi Chakshu and cybercrime.gov.in |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | An independent, free checker that explains red flags | Official Government of India channels: Chakshu (Department of Telecommunications) and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (Ministry of Home Affairs) |
| Checks a message before you act | Yes: a 0 to 100 risk score with the red flags highlighted in your text | Chakshu is a reporting channel, not a checker. Suspect Search on cybercrime.gov.in looks up a number, UPI ID or URL in complaints already filed |
| Takes a police or fraud report | No | Yes. Chakshu for suspected fraud calls, SMS and WhatsApp; cybercrime.gov.in and 1930 for cyber crime and money lost |
| Can help freeze lost money | No | Yes, call 1930 or report at cybercrime.gov.in as quickly as possible |
| Login or OTP | None | Chakshu asks you to verify your mobile number with an OTP. Filing on cybercrime.gov.in needs registration with a mobile number. Suspect Search needs no login |
| Where your text goes | Checked on your phone. Nothing you paste is uploaded | Your report is submitted to the government portal so it can be acted on |
| Languages | English, Hindi and Hinglish messages | Sanchar Saathi offers English and 21 Indian languages; cybercrime.gov.in is in Hindi and English |
| Other help | Explains the scam pattern and next steps; free Digital Suraksha course | Block a lost phone (CEIR), see mobile connections in your name, check a handset IMEI |
Before you reply, click or pay: check
Paste the message, link, phone number or UPI ID into the Scam Checker. It runs on your phone, gives a risk score and highlights the words that are typical of scams, such as urgency, KYC threats, "digital arrest" or requests for an OTP or UPI PIN. Nothing you paste is uploaded.
You can also look up a number, UPI ID, bank account or website in Suspect Search on cybercrime.gov.in. As of 30 Oct 2026 it needs no login, but its own notice says the data comes from complaints and is not complete, so a clean result is not proof that something is safe.
Got a fraud call, SMS or WhatsApp but lost nothing: report on Chakshu
Chakshu on Sanchar Saathi "facilitates citizens to report the suspected fraud communications" received by call, SMS or WhatsApp. You verify your mobile number with an OTP. Their page asks you to report within 30 days. Chakshu is not for money already lost.
Lost money: call 1930 now
The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal says any victim of financial cyber fraud can dial 1930. You can also file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in. The sooner you report, the better the chance the bank can hold the money. Our checker cannot do any of this, so do not wait for a score.
Lost phone or unknown SIMs
Sanchar Saathi also lets you block a lost or stolen phone across networks (CEIR), see mobile connections in your name and flag ones that are not yours, and check whether a handset IMEI is genuine. These are official services we do not offer.
Where Sanchar Saathi Chakshu and cybercrime.gov.in are stronger
- They are the official channels: reports reach the government and can lead to action.
- Money lost to fraud can only be chased through 1930 and cybercrime.gov.in.
- Suspect Search draws on real complaints; Sanchar Saathi can block phones and SIMs.
Where IndiaDigital is better
- A quick check before you act, with no login or OTP.
- Explains why a message looks risky, highlighting the exact words.
- Private: nothing you paste leaves your phone.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use the Scam Checker or Chakshu?
Both, for different moments. Use the Scam Checker to understand a suspicious message before you act. Report the fraud attempt on Chakshu so the Department of Telecommunications can act on the number.
I already lost money. What do I do?
Call 1930 or report at cybercrime.gov.in immediately, then inform your bank. Chakshu is not for money already lost, and IndiaDigital cannot report or recover money.
Does the Scam Checker check a government database?
No. It reads the text for known scam patterns on your phone. To look up a number or UPI ID in complaints already filed, use Suspect Search on cybercrime.gov.in.
Do I need to log in to Chakshu?
As of 30 Oct 2026, Chakshu asks you to verify your mobile number with an OTP and enter your name before submitting a report.
Is the IndiaDigital Scam Checker official?
No. It is an independent, free tool. It links to the official channels for every report.
Sources
Facts last checked:
- Sanchar Saathi (Department of Telecommunications)
- Chakshu: report suspected fraud communication
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
- cybercrime.gov.in: FAQ (1930 helpline)
- cybercrime.gov.in: Suspect Search
- cybercrime.gov.in: Report Suspect
Sanchar Saathi Chakshu and cybercrime.gov.in is named only to identify the service. Facts about it come from its own pages and may change. Prices and features are as shown on the date above. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Contact us