Residents who procure SIM playing cards of their title and provides them to others for misuse in cyber-fraud will even be held liable as offenders, in line with an official assertion. Amid rising considerations over the misuse of cell system identifiers, the Authorities of India has issued a powerful advisory reminding residents of the intense authorized penalties of tampering with Worldwide Cell Tools Identification (IMEI) numbers and different telecom identifiers. The Division of Telecommunications (DoT) stated the measures are geared toward safeguarding customers and strengthening the safety of telecom networks as cell connectivity quickly expands throughout the nation.
DoT Flags Rising Misuse of System Identifiers
“With the fast progress of cell connectivity in India, misuse of telecommunication identifiers just like the Worldwide Cell Tools Identification (IMEI) variety of units has turn out to be a critical concern.” Residents are suggested to make use of the Sanchar Saathi Cell App and portal to confirm and safe their cell connections and handsets, the Ministry of Communications stated in a press release on Monday, November 24, 2025.
Strict Penalties Underneath Telecommunications Act, 2023
Underneath the Telecommunications Act, 2023, stringent penalties have been prescribed for altering IMEI numbers or utilizing units with tampered identifiers. Part 42(3)(c) prohibits tampering with telecommunication identifiers, whereas Part 42(3)(e) bans the fraudulent procurement of SIM playing cards or telecom identifiers by way of dishonest, impersonation or pretend documentation. The Act additionally criminalises the possession of cell handsets, SIM containers, modems or modules which are identified to make use of unauthorised or altered identifiers below Part 42(3)(f).
Violations can appeal to imprisonment of as much as three years, fines as much as Rs 50 lakh, or each. The offences are cognizable and non-bailable, and the identical penalties apply to those that assist or promote such actions below Part 42(6). “The Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Safety) Guidelines, 2024 prohibit any particular person to change the IMEI or use/produce/possess tools wherein IMEI might be configured or modified or altered,” the official launch stated.
What Residents Ought to Keep away from
The DoT cautioned residents towards utilizing or buying units with tampered IMEIs, procuring SIM playing cards by way of fraudulent means, assembling or possessing tools corresponding to SIM containers with configurable identifiers, or utilizing functions that modify Calling Line Identification. People who receive SIM playing cards of their title and hand them over to others for misuse—together with cyber fraud—may face prosecution.
“Residents ought to be conscious that utilizing units with tampered IMEI numbers, procuring SIM playing cards by way of fraudulent means, or transferring or giving their SIM playing cards to others who misuse them for cyber fraud may end up in critical authorized penalties. The unique person may be held liable as an offender in circumstances the place SIM playing cards procured of their title are subsequently misused,” the official assertion stated.
Verification Instruments Obtainable on Sanchar Saathi Platform
For verification, residents can examine system IMEI particulars on the Sanchar Saathi portal or cell app, which supplies data on a tool’s model, mannequin and producer. The federal government’s Sanchar Saathi initiative features a sequence of digital instruments to assist customers safe their cell connections and report suspicious exercise.
The DoT stated strict enforcement of those provisions is crucial to curb telecom-related fraud and guarantee a safer, safer communications ecosystem for all customers.
