IMEI Tampering Could Land You in Trouble: Here’s What the DoT Warning Says

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a stern warning against the illegal altering and misuse of telecommunication identifiers, highlighting that tampering with unique 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers is a cognizable and non-bailable offence. Under India’s legal framework, violators face up to three years of imprisonment, fines reaching up to ₹50 lakh, or both.

The advisory reinforces strict regulatory provisions governed by the Telecommunications Act, 2023, along with the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024, and its 2025 amendments. The primary objective is to curb digital financial fraud, eliminate counterfeit devices, prevent identity theft, and secure the national telecommunications network. Government Tells Telecom Companies To Stop Issuing SIMs Beyond 9-Connection Limit From August 24.

Stringent Penalties and Non-Bailable Offences

Under Section 42 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, the government strictly prohibits altering, replacing, or spoofing telecommunication identifiers. The law penalizes not only the active tampering of equipment but also the willful possession, assembly, procurement, or sale of radio devices—such as mobile handsets, cellular modems, dongles, and SIM boxes—that use tampered or unauthorized identifiers. Section 42(6) mandates identical penalties for individuals who abet or facilitate these offences. Furthermore, using devices with programmable or reconfigurable IMEIs is legally treated as active IMEI tampering.

SIM Fraud and Subscriber Liability

The advisory extends clear boundaries regarding the misuse of Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs). Section 42(3)(e) explicitly bans obtaining SIM cards or telecom identifiers through fraud, fake documentation, cheating, or impersonation. The DoT also warned citizens against loaning, renting, or transferring SIM cards registered under their name to third parties. If a SIM card issued to a legitimate subscriber is transferred and subsequently used in cyber fraud or unlawful operations, the original subscriber can be held legally accountable for criminal liability. DoT SIM Card Rules 2026: Everything You Need To Know About the 9-SIM Limit.

Regulatory Safeguards and Verification Mechanisms

To maintain network integrity, the government mandates that all device manufacturers and importers register every IMEI-bearing device on the official Device Setu (Indian Counterfeited Device Restriction - ICDR) portal before its first sale, import, testing, or research use. The government also reserves the authority to block tampered IMEIs across all national cellular networks and direct manufacturers not to reassign existing IMEIs to new equipment.

Citizens and retailers dealing in second-hand or refurbished mobile devices are encouraged to verify device authenticity and report lost or stolen phones through the official Sanchar Saathi portal.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 31, 2026 09:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).