The Central Government has adopted a tough stance to curb the increasing cases of cyber fraud, online fraud and mobile cloning in the country. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Union Ministry of Communications has issued a strict public advisory for the citizens of the country, mobile vendors and repairing shops.
The government has given a clear warning that tampering with the 15-digit unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number of any mobile handset, changing it, issuing SIM cards on fake identity or operating illegal SIM boxes is a serious cognizable and non-bailable offense under law.
According to the Department of Telecommunications, Telecommunications Act, 2023 Any tampering with telecom identifiers has been brought under the ambit of a stringent punishable offense under:
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Maximum 3 years jail and fine up to ₹50 lakh: A person found guilty under the law can face imprisonment of up to 3 years, a hefty financial fine of up to ₹50 lakh, or both.
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Section 42(3)(c): Unlawfully altering, erasing or modifying the Unique Identifier (IMEI) of any telecommunication device (smartphone, dongle, modem) is strictly prohibited.
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Section 42(3)(e): It is illegal to obtain a SIM card by using forged documents, fraud or impersonation.
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Section 42(7) – Non-bailable offences: Cases registered under this law will be directly cognizable and non-bailable.
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Section 42(6) – Those who help will also be guilty: The person, shopkeeper or technician who provides such software or tools or helps in the commission of this crime will also have to pay the same punishment and fine as the main accused.
The IMEI number is the digital fingerprint of any mobile phone or its unique 'chassis number'. When a cyber criminal changes the IMEI of a stolen phone or switches multiple numbers together through the SIM box:
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It becomes extremely difficult for the police and security agencies to track the criminal or the location.
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By converting foreign calls into local numbers, fraudsters make people victims in the name of digital arrest, bank fraud or lottery.
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Recently, Delhi Police and central agencies have busted a syndicate worth crores of rupees, where fraud was being done in the name of government officers by using fake IMEIs.
The government has given strict advice to common smartphone users and shopkeepers to avoid these mistakes:
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Do not give your SIM to anyone else: Do not give the SIM card issued in your name to any unknown person, friend or tenant for use. If any cyber crime is committed using a SIM in your name, the legal responsibility will be on the original SIM holder.
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Avoid IMEI change tools at local shops: Do not reprogram the IMEI with any unauthorized software to activate a stolen or blocked phone.
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Don't use apps that change Caller ID (CLI): Making calls by changing caller ID from any website or third party app is a legal offense.
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Check before buying a second hand phone: While buying an old or used phone, always check its original bill and IMEI status.
The Department of Telecommunications has appealed to the common people to check the official website of the Central Government before using any phone. Communication Saathi Must use the portal or app:
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Dial *#06# in your mobile dialer. The 15 digit IMEI number will appear on the screen.
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sancharsaathi.gov.in Go to and select 'KYM' (Know Your Mobile) option.
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Enter your IMEI there. The system will immediately tell whether the IMEI number is genuine, which brand and model it is associated with and whether it is blacklisted or duplicate.
This strict law of the government is now being implemented strictly to strengthen digital security and break the backbone of cyber crimes.