Fraudulent SIM issuance, IMEI tampering can attract 3-year jail term, Rs 50 lakh fine: DoT
New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has cautioned citizens against fraudulent SIM issuance, misuse of telecom identifiers and tampering with mobile phone IMEI numbers, warning that violations can attract up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
The advisory follows a cybercrime investigation in which a Point of Sale (PoS) agent in Chhattisgarh was found to have illegally activated 25 SIM cards using citizens’ identity documents without their knowledge or consent.
The DoT and telecom service providers subsequently blacklisted the PoS agent. The 25 connections were examined through the department’s Digital Intelligence Platform, with suspicious numbers sent for re-verification. Connections that failed verification were deactivated.
DoT warns SIM holders:
The department advised citizens not to share, sell, rent or hand over SIM cards registered in their names to others. The original subscriber could face legal consequences if a connection issued in their name is misused for cybercrime or other unlawful activities.
Citizens were also advised against obtaining SIM cards through fake documents or impersonation, using SIM boxes or devices with configurable or tampered IMEIs, and using services that modify Calling Line Identity (CLI) or other telecom identifiers.
Check mobile connections through Sanchar Saathi:
The DoT urged citizens to regularly check mobile numbers registered in their names through the Sanchar Saathi portal and mobile app. Unnecessary or unauthorised connections can be identified and blocked through the platform.
The portal also provides a ‘Check Genuineness of Your Mobile Handset’ facility, allowing users to verify details such as the device’s brand, model and manufacturer associated with its IMEI.
The department urged citizens to remain vigilant and use Sanchar Saathi to verify and secure their mobile connections and handsets.
