Tamper with your phone's IMEI? DoT warns of 3-year jail, Rs 50 lakh fine

New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has warned citizens against tampering with mobile phone IMEI numbers or using devices with unauthorised or modified telecommunication identifiers, saying offenders could face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh, or both.

The advisory comes as mobile connectivity and digital services expand rapidly across India, with the government highlighting the potential misuse of telecom identifiers as a threat to citizen safety and the security of telecom networks.

The DoT said altering IMEI numbers or using devices with tampered or unauthorised telecommunication identifiers is an offence under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and the rules framed under it.

Under Section 42(3)(c) of the Act, tampering with telecommunication identifiers is prohibited. Section 42(3)(e) also bars obtaining SIM cards or other telecommunication identifiers through fraud, cheating or impersonation.

According to the department, offences under the relevant provisions are cognizable and non-bailable under Section 42(7). Those who abet or promote such offences can also face the same punishment under Section 42(6).

The DoT has specifically advised citizens not to use, procure or assemble modems, modules, SIM boxes or other equipment with configurable or tampered IMEI numbers.

It has also cautioned people against obtaining SIM cards using fake documents, fraud, cheating or impersonation.

The department warned subscribers against transferring, selling, lending or handing over SIM cards registered in their names to others, particularly when those connections could subsequently be misused.

A person who obtains a SIM card in their own name and allows another individual to use it for cyber fraud or other unlawful activities could also face legal consequences, the DoT said.

The advisory further cautioned against using mobile applications, websites or other methods to alter Calling Line Identity (CLI) or other telecommunication identifiers.

To help users check their mobile devices and connections, the government has encouraged citizens to use services available through the Sanchar Saathi initiative.

The platform enables users to verify the IMEI details of their handsets, including the associated brand, model and manufacturer information.