Government Warns: Giving Your SIM to Others, Using Tampered IMEI Devices Now a Serious Criminal Offence Under Telecom Law

KalimNews, November 25, 2025, Kalimpong :  With mobile connectivity expanding rapidly across India, the Government of India has issued a strong public advisory highlighting the growing misuse of telecommunication identifiers—especially IMEI numbers—and warning citizens that using SIM cards in someone else’s name or handing one’s own SIM to others is illegal and punishable under the law.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has reiterated that the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024, impose strict penalties for tampering with IMEI numbers, using fraudulent SIM cards, or enabling others to misuse SIMs issued in one’s own name. Citizens are urged to exercise caution, as even unintentional misuse may result in serious legal consequences.

According to the new legal framework, telecommunication identifiers—including IMEI numbers of mobile phones, modems, modules and SIM Boxes—must remain authentic, tamper-free and lawfully obtained. The DoT stressed that many cyber-fraud incidents in the country are enabled by SIM cards procured with fake documents or SIMs registered in someone else’s name, which are then misused by cybercriminals.

Under Section 42(3)(c) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, tampering with telecommunication identifiers is strictly prohibited. Section 42(3)(e) bans obtaining SIM cards or identifiers through fraud, impersonation or cheating, while Section 42(3)(f) makes it an offence to knowingly possess devices such as mobile handsets, modems, modules or SIM Boxes that use unauthorised or tampered identifiers. Importantly, Section 42(7) categorises these offences as cognizable and non-bailable, with penalties including imprisonment of up to three years, fines up to ₹50 lakh, or both. The same punishment applies to those who assist, abet or promote such offences under Section 42(6).

Further strengthening the legal framework, the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024 strictly prohibit altering IMEI numbers or using, producing or possessing any equipment capable of changing or configuring IMEI identifiers. Even the act of knowingly using such devices is considered a punishable offence.

Officials warned that individuals must not procure SIM cards with fake documents or allow others to use their SIM cards. Transferring or handing over a SIM card issued in one’s own name to another person—whether a friend, family member, colleague or unknown individual—can result in criminal liability if that SIM is used for scams, cyber fraud or any illegal activity. The DoT emphasised that the original SIM holder will also be treated as an offender if their SIM is later misused. 

The Sanchar Saathi app is a government initiative that empowers mobile users with security features like blocking lost or stolen phones, reporting fraud, and checking the number of SIMs registered under their name. 

It also allows users to verify the authenticity of a mobile handset and detect international calls disguised as local ones. The app aims to strengthen digital security and provide users with tools to protect themselves from various telecom-related frauds. 

The advisory lists actions that citizens must strictly avoid: using devices with tampered IMEI numbers; using, procuring or assembling devices such as modems, modules or SIM Boxes with configurable IMEIs; procuring SIM cards through fraudulent documents; handing over one’s own SIM to others; or using applications or platforms that mask or modify Calling Line Identity (CLI) or other telecom identifiers. Many cyber-fraud networks use illegally obtained SIMs or dynamic IMEI-changing devices, making strict citizen compliance essential for national telecom security.

For public assistance, the government has expanded digital verification facilities under the Sanchar Saathi initiative. Citizens can check IMEI authenticity and device details—such as the brand name, model and manufacturer—through the Sanchar Saathi portal or mobile app. The verification page is available at the Sanchar Saathi IMEI verification platform provided in the advisory. The initiative also includes tools to safeguard mobile connections and block lost or stolen devices, ensuring a more secure telecommunications environment.

The government reiterated that strong enforcement measures are now in place to prevent misuse of telecom resources. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant, use only genuine devices, verify IMEI numbers when necessary and ensure that SIM cards issued in their names are used solely by them. Failure to do so could result in severe legal consequences under the reinforced provisions of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.