New Delhi: Tampering with a mobile phone’s International Mobile Equipment Identity number can lead to imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to ₹50 lakh, or both, the Department of Telecommunications has warned.
The advisory comes as mobile connectivity and digital services expand rapidly across India. The government said misuse of telecom identifiers poses a serious threat to public safety and the security of telecom networks.
IMEI Tampering Is A Criminal Offence
The DoT said changing an IMEI number or using a device carrying an unauthorised or modified telecom identifier is punishable under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and related rules.
Section 42(3)(c) of the Act prohibits tampering with telecommunication identifiers. Section 42(3)(e) also bars people from obtaining SIM cards or telecom identifiers through fraud, cheating or impersonation.
Offences under these provisions are cognisable and non-bailable, according to Section 42(7). Those who assist, encourage or promote such offences can face the same punishment under Section 42(6).
Warning Over SIM Cards And Equipment
Citizens should not use, buy or assemble modems, modules, SIM boxes or other equipment with configurable or tampered IMEI numbers, the department said.
People have also been warned against obtaining SIM cards through forged documents, cheating, fraud or impersonation.
Subscribers should not sell, lend, transfer or hand over SIM cards registered in their names to other people. If a SIM is later used for cyber fraud or another unlawful activity, its registered subscriber could face legal liability.
The DoT also cautioned users against applications, websites or other tools that modify Calling Line Identity or any other telecom identifier.
Verify Devices Through Sanchar Saathi
The government has encouraged citizens to use the Sanchar Saathi platform to verify their mobile devices and connections.
Through the service, users can check a handset’s IMEI details and confirm its associated brand, model and manufacturer information.
The advisory seeks to prevent modified devices and SIM misuse.
