Know all about ‘Chaksu’, TRAI’s new portal to help people report fraudulent SMS and calls

On Chakshu, users can report a suspected fraudulent call, SMS, or even WhatsApp message. To file a report for fraudulent activity, one needs to choose one of the pre-defined fraud communication categories, such as KYC, impersonation, fake customer care helpline, online job, sextortion, malicious link or website, or any of the others specified on the platform.

If there is an image or screenshot, a user can attach it while filing a report; that provision is also provided, but it is not mandatory. Users also need to enter details like the date and time of the fraudulent communication and write a brief description of the incident.

To prevent the misuse of this platform, users also need to enter their personal details, such as name and phone number and to successfully file a report, one needs to verify the phone number using a one-time password (OTP).

Chakshu is meant to be a platform to protect users from fraud, and it cannot facilitate or handle financial-related cyber crimes. However, if a user is already a victim of online fraud, the same can also be reported to cybercrime by dialling 1930 or via cybercrime.gov.in.