Mobile Users Can Be Held Liable for Misuse of SIMs Issued in Their Name: DoT

Violations can attract imprisonment of up to three years, fines up to Rs 50 lakh, or both. The offences are cognizable and non-bailable, and the same penalties apply to those who aid or promote such activities under Section 42(6). “The Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024 prohibit any person to alter the IMEI or use/produce/possess equipment in which IMEI can be configured or changed or altered,” the official release said.

What Citizens Should Avoid

The DoT cautioned citizens against using or purchasing devices with tampered IMEIs, procuring SIM cards through fraudulent means, assembling or possessing equipment such as SIM boxes with configurable identifiers, or using applications that modify Calling Line Identity. Individuals who obtain SIM cards in their name and hand them over to others for misuse—including cyber fraud—may also face prosecution.

“Citizens should be aware that using devices with tampered IMEI numbers, procuring SIM cards through fraudulent means, or transferring or giving their SIM cards to others who misuse them for cyber fraud can result in serious legal consequences. The original user may also be held liable as an offender in cases where SIM cards procured in their name are subsequently misused,” the official statement said.

Verification Tools Available on Sanchar Saathi Platform

For verification, citizens can check device IMEI details on the Sanchar Saathi portal or mobile app, which provides information on a device’s brand, model and manufacturer. The government’s Sanchar Saathi initiative includes a series of digital tools to help users secure their mobile connections and report suspicious activity.

The DoT said strict enforcement of these provisions is essential to curb telecom-related fraud and ensure a safer, more secure communications ecosystem for all users.