DoT Warns Citizens Against Fraudulent SIM Cards and Tampered IMEI Numbers
Misuse of telecom identifiers may attract up to three years’ imprisonment and ₹50 lakh fine
New Delhi, September 21, 2026: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has cautioned citizens against fraudulent issuance and misuse of SIM cards, tampering with mobile device IMEI numbers and manipulation of telecom identifiers, warning that such violations can attract stringent penalties under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
The advisory follows recent cybercrime investigations by the DoT Madhya Pradesh Licensing Service Area (MP LSA), which uncovered instances of fraudulent SIM activation in Chhattisgarh. In one case, a Point of Sale (PoS) agent was found to have illegally activated 25 mobile connections using identity documents of citizens without their knowledge or consent.
Following the investigation, the DoT and telecom service providers blacklisted the concerned PoS agent, preventing further issuance of mobile connections through the agent. The 25 connections were examined through the Department’s Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP). Numbers identified as suspicious were subjected to re-verification, and those that failed the verification process were subsequently deactivated.
Legal consequences for telecom misuse
The DoT has reiterated that fraudulent issuance of SIM cards, misuse of telecom identifiers and tampering with IMEI numbers are punishable offences under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. Depending on the violation, such offences may attract imprisonment of up to three years and fines of up to ₹50 lakh.
The Department has also warned citizens against sharing, selling, transferring, renting or handing over SIM cards issued in their names to other persons. If such a connection is subsequently used for cyber fraud or other unlawful activities, the original subscriber could face legal consequences.
Citizens advised to check SIM connections
The DoT has urged citizens to regularly verify the mobile connections registered in their names through the Sanchar Saathi portal and mobile application.
The platform allows users to view mobile numbers issued in their name and report or block connections that they do not recognise or no longer require. Regular verification can help prevent telecom resources linked to an individual’s identity from being misused for cybercrime.
Citizens have also been advised not to obtain SIM cards using fake documents, fraud, impersonation or other unlawful means. They should avoid using or procuring devices such as modems, modules and SIM boxes with configurable or tampered IMEI numbers.
The Department has further cautioned against using applications, websites or other mechanisms to modify Calling Line Identity (CLI) or other telecommunications identifiers.
Verify your mobile handset
Sanchar Saathi also provides a facility to check the genuineness of a mobile handset. Using the “Check Genuineness of Your Mobile Handset” service, citizens can verify details including the device’s brand, model and manufacturer information associated with its IMEI.
The DoT has urged citizens to remain vigilant and make regular use of the services available through Sanchar Saathi to protect their mobile connections and devices.
Citizens can access the Sanchar Saathi portal at www.sancharsaathi.gov.in or use the Sanchar Saathi mobile application available for Android and iOS devices.
With the increasing dependence on mobile connectivity and digital services, the DoT said protecting SIM cards, IMEI numbers and other telecom identifiers is important for preventing cyber fraud and maintaining the security and integrity of India’s telecommunications network.
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