Govt Reiterates Consequences of IMEI Tampering and Telecom Identifier Misuse

New Delhi — The government on Monday once again cautioned citizens against tampering with or misusing unique device identifiers, amid the rapid expansion of mobile connectivity across the country.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) stressed the strict legal provisions under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, which prohibit altering IMEI numbers or using devices that have tampered identifiers.

“With the rapid growth of mobile connectivity in India, misuse of telecommunication identifiers like the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number has become a serious concern,” the DoT said in a statement.

The Act contains strong measures to safeguard telecom security. Any manipulation of telecommunication identifiers — especially IMEI numbers — is treated as a serious offence.

Under Section 42(3)(c), tampering with telecom identifiers such as the IMEI of mobile phones or other devices is strictly prohibited. Section 42(3)(e) further makes it illegal to obtain SIM cards or other telecom identifiers through fraudulent means, including cheating or impersonation.

According to Section 42(3)(f), knowingly possessing a mobile handset, modem, SIM box, or radio equipment with an unauthorised or altered identifier is also an offence.

Violations attract severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to three years, fines up to ?50 lakh, or both. These offences are classified as cognizable and non-bailable under Section 42(7), allowing authorities to arrest offenders without a warrant. Similar punishment also applies to those who assist, promote, or abet such violations under Section 42(6).

The Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024, further reinforce these restrictions by prohibiting the alteration of IMEI numbers and the manufacture, use, or possession of equipment that enables IMEI configuration or manipulation.

Citizens have been urged not to use mobile devices with tampered IMEI numbers and to avoid procuring or assembling devices such as modems, SIM boxes, or modules with configurable or altered IMEIs.

They must also refrain from obtaining SIM cards using fraudulent documentation or impersonation. DoT warned that handing over SIM cards issued in one’s name to others could lead to misuse.

The use of mobile apps or websites that modify Calling Line Identity (CLI) or other telecom identifiers is also strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.

Citizens who acquire SIM cards in their name and allow others to misuse them for cyber fraud will be held legally accountable.

“Using devices with tampered IMEI numbers, procuring SIM cards fraudulently, or giving SIM cards to others who use them for cyber fraud can lead to serious legal consequences,” the Department emphasised.

--With inputs from IANS