Key Details
The Department of Telecommunications’ 31 August 2026 public advisory on IMEI tampering and misuse of telecommunication identifiers reiterates conduct already punishable under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. It does not introduce a new offence or penalty.
IMEI tampering: Prohibited under Section 42(3)(c)
Fraudulent SIMs or identifiers: Obtaining them through fraud, cheating or impersonation is prohibited under Section 42(3)(e)
Maximum punishment: Imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to ₹50 lakh, or both
Nature of offences: Cognizable and non-bailable under Section 42(7)
Abetment: Anyone who abets or promotes these offences may face the same punishment under Section 42(6)
Citizen facility: Handset details can be checked through the Sanchar Saathi portal and mobile application
The Warning Extends Beyond Altering a Mobile Phone’s IMEI
DoT has advised citizens against using, procuring or assembling modems, communication modules, SIM boxes or other equipment containing configurable or tampered IMEI numbers.
The advisory also covers:
obtaining SIM cards through false documents or impersonation;
modifying the Calling Line Identity, which determines the number displayed to a call recipient;
handing over SIM cards to people who may misuse them; and
lending, renting or acting as a “mule” for SIM cards used in cyber fraud.
The original subscriber may face legal liability when a connection obtained in their name is knowingly supplied for unlawful use. The advisory does not state that every subscriber automatically becomes criminally liable whenever another person misuses their SIM; the facts and involvement in each case remain relevant.
Why Telecom Identifiers Matter to Network Security
An IMEI is intended to distinguish one mobile device from another. When identifiers are altered, duplicated or assigned without authorisation, telecom operators and law-enforcement agencies may find it harder to trace a device, block stolen equipment or connect network activity with the correct handset.
Fraudulently obtained SIM cards create a related problem. They allow calls, messages or data sessions to be registered against a person who is not the actual user, weakening subscriber-verification systems and complicating cybercrime investigations.
The advisory therefore links device identity and subscriber identity: securing only one does not prevent criminals from exploiting the other.
Sanchar Saathi Provides a Basic Verification Route
Through Sanchar Saathi, a citizen can check the brand, model and manufacturer information associated with a handset’s IMEI. If the returned information does not match the physical device, the discrepancy may indicate an incorrect or manipulated identifier and warrants further verification.
Users can ordinarily display a handset’s IMEI by dialling *#06# or checking the device settings or packaging.
The government update encourages use of the portal but does not claim that a matching entry guarantees the device’s ownership history, authenticity or freedom from other forms of compromise.
What Is an IMEI Number?
The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a unique identifier assigned to a mobile handset or other cellular device. It identifies the equipment connected to a telecom network; it is different from the mobile number, which is associated with the SIM and subscriber connection. A dual-SIM handset normally has a separate IMEI for each cellular slot.
Policy Relevance
Responsibilities are distributed across the telecom ecosystem:
DoT and law-enforcement agencies need forensic and evidentiary procedures capable of distinguishing intentional identifier tampering from possession of a compromised second-hand device.
Telecom operators and equipment sellers remain important control points for subscriber verification, detection of duplicate identifiers and prevention of unauthorised devices entering legitimate distribution channels.
Citizens and businesses need clearer processes for checking second-hand phones, reporting mismatched device details and deactivating SIM cards that are lost, transferred or no longer under their control.
Because the offences are cognizable and non-bailable, proportionate investigation and proof of knowledge or involvement become especially important where a device or SIM has passed through several users.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: What evidence should establish intentional IMEI or SIM misuse while protecting people who unknowingly purchase a tampered second-hand handset or whose identity documents are fraudulently used?
Follow the Full Advisory Here: DoT Cautions Citizens Against IMEI Tampering and Misuse of Telecommunication Identifiers
Verify a Handset or Mobile Connection Here: Sanchar Saathi