The Department of Telecommunications has issued a warning to citizens against fraudulent SIM card issuance, misuse of telecom identifiers, and tampering with mobile device identification numbers. The alert follows recent cases in which unauthorised agents activated multiple SIM cards using other people’s documents without permission. The government is reminding the public of strict legal penalties and urging them to use official verification tools to protect their connections.
What the law says and what happens if you break it
Under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, fraudulent SIM issuance, misuse of telecom identifiers, or tampering with IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers is a criminal offence. Persons found guilty can face imprisonment of up to three years and fines reaching ₹50 lakh.
The Department of Telecommunications has identified several practices that citizens must avoid:
- Using, buying or assembling devices with altered or fake IMEI numbers, such as modems, SIM boxes or modules
- Obtaining SIM cards through forged documents, fraud or impersonation
- Transferring, selling or giving away SIM cards registered in your name to others
- Using applications or websites to change Calling Line Identity or other telecom identifiers
- Loaning, renting or providing SIM cards to others for illegal activities
Citizens who allow their SIM cards to be misused by others remain legally liable, even if they did not personally commit the fraud. In a recent case, a Point of Sale agent in Chhattisgarh illegally activated 25 mobile connections without subscribers’ consent. The agent was blacklisted and the fraudulent connections were deactivated after verification.
What this means for you
You should regularly check which mobile numbers are registered in your name to catch unauthorised SIM activations early. The Sanchar Saathi Portal and mobile app allow you to view all your connections and block any that you do not recognise. You can also verify your mobile device’s authenticity through the same platform by checking its IMEI details. Never share your SIM card with others, even temporarily, as you will be held responsible for any crimes committed using it.
Visit www.sancharsaathi.gov.in or download the Sanchar Saathi app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to access these verification services.