New Delhi. DoT has warned people to avoid issuing fake SIM cards. The Department of Telecommunications said in its advisory that buying a SIM card using fake documents and tampering with the IMEI can attract a heavy fine of Rs 50 lakh and up to 3 years in jail. The Department of Telecommunications has asked people to check the SIM cards issued in their names. If any SIM card has been issued in his name which he has not done, then apply to deactivate it immediately.
The Department of Telecommunications has issued new guidelines (REF.) regarding issuance of SIM cards on 21 September 2026. In the new guidelines, DoT has said that if a fake SIM card is issued by stealing someone's identity or the IMEI of the mobile phone is tampered in any way, then there will be a heavy fine and jail up to 3 years. This advisory of the Department of Telecommunications has been issued under the Telecommunication Act 2023, in which there is a provision of fine up to Rs 50 lakh and jail up to 3 years.
DoT has recently issued this advisory in view of the cybercrime case of Chhattisgarh. In Chhattisgarh, 25 SIM cards were issued fraudulently under the guise of a Point of Sale (PoS) agent, in which people's documents were misused. The Department of Telecommunications and telecom operators have blacklisted PoS agents from the system.
After this case, the Department of Telecommunications has asked people to check the SIM cards issued in their names. If any SIM card has been issued in his name which he has not done, then get it closed immediately. The Department of Telecommunications has asked to use Sanchar Sathi portal or app for this.