Key Highlights:

  • Tampering with a device's IMEI is unlawful, punishable by up to 3 years' imprisonment, a Rs 50 lakh fine, or both, under Section 42(7).
  • Citizens can use the Sanchar Saathi platform to verify a device's IMEI, brand, model and manufacturer.
  • Procuring SIM cards through fake documents or transferring them to others for misuse are also punishable offences.
  • Devices should be purchased only from authorised sellers and repaired only at authorised service centres.
  • Lost or stolen devices can be blocked via the Sanchar Saathi (CEIR) portal using a police report and valid ID, generating a unique Request ID.

A Clear Warning Against IMEI Tampering

It is unlawful to intentionally remove, obliterate, change or alter a device's unique Mobile Device Equipment Identification number or International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), an official factsheet said on Wednesday, laying out a clear legal position on a practice often associated with device theft and telecom fraud.

Broader Scope of the Prohibition

It is also unlawful to use, produce, traffic in, possess or control hardware or software knowing that it has been configured as above, the statement said, adding that citizens can leverage the Sanchar Saathi platform to verify and secure their mobile handsets. This broader scope means the law targets not just the act of tampering itself, but the entire ecosystem of tools and knowledge that could facilitate it.

How Sanchar Saathi Helps Verify Devices

The platform enables users to validate a device's IMEI details, including the brand, model and manufacturer, helping strengthen device authenticity and security. This verification capability gives consumers a practical way to confirm that a device they are purchasing or already own has not been tampered with or misrepresented.

Penalties for Violations

Violations related to IMEI tampering may attract imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh, or both, and such offences are cognisable and non-bailable under Section 42(7) of the Act, making clear that these are treated as serious criminal offences rather than minor regulatory infractions.

Other Punishable Offences Under the Law

Further, procuring SIM cards through fake documents, fraud, cheating or impersonation are among punishable offences. Transferring, selling or handing over SIM cards obtained in their name to others who may misuse them, and using mobile applications, websites or any other means to modify Calling Line Identity (CLI) or other telecommunication identifiers, are also offences under Indian law, extending the scope of prohibited activity well beyond IMEI tampering alone to cover a broader range of telecom identity fraud.

Guidance on Purchasing Devices Safely

Citizens must purchase mobile devices only from authorised sellers and verify the IMEI details, a precaution intended to reduce the risk of unknowingly acquiring a device with a tampered or fraudulent identity number.

Additional Security Recommendations

"Use strong passwords, PINs or biometric authentication to secure the handset. Get devices repaired only at authorised service centres to reduce the risk of IMEI tampering or other malicious activity," the statement noted, extending its guidance beyond the point of purchase to ongoing device security and maintenance practices.

What to Do If a Device Is Lost or Stolen

Upon device loss or theft, file an immediate report with the local police and secure a copy of the complaint, establishing the first formal step in the recovery and security process following such an incident.

Getting a Replacement SIM Card

Victims can also obtain a duplicate SIM card for the lost mobile number from their telecom operator. Under TRAI regulations, SMS services are restricted for the first 24 hours of a reissued SIM's activation. Since Sanchar Saathi requires a mobile OTP verification, victims must wait 24 hours after activation to submit their request, a procedural detail that affects the timeline for completing the full blocking process.

How to Block a Lost or Stolen Device

"Register the blocking request on the Sanchar Saathi (CEIR) portal or mobile app, uploading the police report and a valid ID proof to receive a unique Request ID. If your device is subsequently recovered, report it to the local police first, and then use your Request ID on the portal to safely unblock the handset," the statement noted, outlining a clear, sequential process that covers both the initial blocking of a lost device and its eventual reactivation should it be recovered.