Skip to content

IMEI Tampering Can Lead To 3 Years In Jail

Department of Telecommunications Cautions Citizens about Consequences of IMEI Tampering and Telecom Identifier Misuse

A man in a grey plaid suit smiling while looking at his smartphone outdoors with a blurred city building facade in the background.
A mobile user checks his device. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has cautioned citizens that tampering with IMEI numbers or misusing SIM cards can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment, under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

Citizens are advised to use the Sanchar Saathi mobile application and portal to verify and secure their mobile connections and handsets. With the expansion of mobile connectivity in India, the misuse of telecommunication identifiers such as the International Mobile Equipment Identity number has emerged as a major concern. To safeguard users and protect telecom networks, the Government of India has enhanced legal measures addressing the tampering and misuse of these device identifiers.

The Department of Telecommunications has reiterated the strict provisions of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, which prohibits altering or using devices with modified IMEI numbers. The Act outlines several legal requirements applicable to all individuals.

Key Legal Provisions

The Telecommunications Act, 2023 establishes strong penalties for tampering with telecommunication identifiers, including the IMEI number of mobile phones and other devices. Section 42(3)(c) forbids altering telecommunication identifiers, while Section 42(3)(e) prohibits obtaining subscriber identity modules or telecommunication identifiers through fraudulent means. Section 42(3)(f) states that knowingly possessing radio equipment such as mobile handsets, modems, modules, or SIM boxes that use unauthorized or tampered identifiers is an offense. Penalties include imprisonment for up to three years, fines up to Rs 50 lakh, or both. These offenses are classified as cognizable and non-bailable under Section 42(7). Identical punishment applies to those who abet or promote these offenses under Section 42(6). The Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024 also restrict anyone from altering IMEI numbers or using, producing, or possessing equipment that allows IMEI configuration or alteration.

What Citizens Should Avoid

Citizens should refrain from using mobile devices with tampered IMEI numbers, as well as using or procuring equipment such as modems, modules, and SIM boxes with configurable or altered IMEI numbers. Procuring SIM cards through fraudulent documentation, impersonation, or other deceptive means is prohibited. Individuals must avoid transferring or giving SIM cards issued in their name to others who may misuse them. The use of applications or websites that change calling line identity or other telecommunication identifiers is restricted. Citizens who obtain SIM cards in their name and allow others to misuse them in cyber fraud cases may also be held responsible.

Using devices with altered IMEI numbers, acquiring SIM cards through fraud, or handing over SIM cards for misuse can result in serious legal consequences. Individuals may be held liable if SIM cards registered in their name are used in cyber fraud.

Tags: