SIM card in your name being misused? DoT issues warning; here's what to do

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has cautioned citizens against fraudulent issuance of SIM cards, misuse of telecom identifiers and tampering with IMEI numbers, warning that such violations can attract up to three years in prison and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

The advisory comes after recent cybercrime investigations in Chhattisgarh uncovered a case in which a Point of Sale (PoS) agent allegedly activated 25 mobile connections using citizens’ identification documents without their knowledge or consent.

Following the investigation, the DoT and telecom service providers blacklisted the concerned PoS agent, preventing it from issuing mobile connections in the future.

The 25 mobile numbers were examined through the DoT’s Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP). Numbers identified as suspicious were subjected to re-verification, and those that failed the process were subsequently deactivated.

DoT warns citizens against SIM misuse

The DoT said citizens should not share, transfer, sell or hand over SIM cards issued in their names to others, as they could face legal liability if the connections are misused.

It also advised people against procuring SIM cards using fake documents, fraud, cheating or impersonation.

The department specifically cautioned against using, procuring or assembling devices such as modems, modules and SIM boxes with configurable or tampered IMEI numbers.

Citizens have also been advised not to use applications, websites or other methods to modify Calling Line Identity (CLI) or other telecommunications identifiers.

The DoT said procuring a SIM card in one’s own name and subsequently loaning, renting or “muling” it for use in cyber fraud or other unlawful activities could also result in legal consequences for the original subscriber.

How to check mobile numbers linked to your name

The DoT has urged citizens to regularly check the mobile connections registered in their names through the government’s Sanchar Saathi portal and mobile application.

The platform allows users to identify mobile numbers issued in their name and block connections that are unnecessary or do not belong to them.

Citizens can also use the Sanchar Saathi platform’s ‘Check Genuineness of Your Mobile Handset’ facility to verify the IMEI details of a handset. The service provides information including the device’s brand, model and manufacturer.

The department said these measures are aimed at preventing the misuse of telecom resources in cyber fraud and strengthening the security of India’s telecommunications network.

Citizens can access the Sanchar Saathi services through the official portal or its mobile application to verify and secure their mobile connections and devices.