DoT Issues Advisory Against Tampered IMEIs and Fraudulent SIM Cards

New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a public caution against tampering with International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, misusing telecommunication identifiers, and acquiring or transferring SIM cards through fraudulent means.

As mobile connectivity and digital services expand across India, the DoT stated that the misuse of telecommunication identifiers compromises citizen safety and poses risks to the security and integrity of national telecommunications networks. To counter these threats, the Government of India has established stringent legal provisions.

According to the ministry, tampering with IMEI numbers or utilizing devices with unauthorized identifiers constitutes a punishable offense under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and its framed rules. Violations can attract imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh, or both. Under Section 42(7) of the Act, such offenses are classified as cognizable and non-bailable. Furthermore, Section 42(6) states that individuals who abet or promote these offenses will face the same punishments.

The department specifically advised citizens to refrain from using, procuring, or assembling equipment such as modems, modules, SIM boxes, or other hardware featuring configurable or tampered IMEIs. Additionally, the advisory cautioned against obtaining SIM cards using fake documents, fraud, cheating, or impersonation, as well as transferring or selling SIM cards registered in one's name to others who might misuse them. The DoT also warned against using mobile applications, websites, or other methods to modify Calling Line Identity (CLI) or other telecommunication identifiers.

To assist citizens in safeguarding their devices, the DoT encouraged the use of digital tools provided through the Sanchar Saathi initiative. The Sanchar Saathi platform allows users to verify IMEI details of mobile handsets, checking parameters such as brand name, model name, and manufacturer information.

The government emphasized that compliance with the Telecommunications Act, 2023 is vital for preventing telecom-related fraud, protecting individual users, and maintaining a secure telecommunication environment. Citizens can access these verification and security services by visiting the official Sanchar Saathi portal at www.sancharsaathi.gov.in or by downloading the Sanchar Saathi Mobile App.

"The recent advisory by the Department of Telecommunications underscores the critical importance of compliance and regulatory adherence in India's digital ecosystem. For businesses, startups, and digital enterprises operating in the telecommunications and tech sectors, ensuring robust security protocols and preventing the misuse of telecom identifiers is paramount. Strict legal provisions under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 mean that negligence regarding device identifiers or SIM card management can carry severe legal consequences, making platform hygiene and user verification essential operational priorities." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes