The Ministry of Communications (MoC) on November 24, 2025, issued the notification regarding cautioning the Citizens about Consequences of IMEI Tampering and Telecom Identifier Misuse
The following has been stated namely: -
• The Telecommunications Act, 2023 prohibits tampering with telecommunication identifiers, including IMEI numbers, and criminalizes the use or possession of devices (phones, modems, modules, SIM Boxes, etc.) with unauthorized or altered identifiers.
• Offenses such as IMEI tampering, fraudulently obtaining SIMs, or possessing tampered devices can lead to imprisonment up to three years, fines up to ₹50 lakh, or both. These offenses are cognizable and non-bailable, and abetment attracts identical punishment.
• Citizens must avoid using tampered-IMEI devices, procuring SIMs with fake documents, giving their SIMs to others for misuse, or using apps/websites that manipulate caller identity. SIM holders can be held liable if their SIMs are misused for cyber fraud.
• Citizens can verify IMEI details on the Sanchar Saathi portal/app, which provides authentic device information. Compliance with the Act and Rules protects citizens from telecom fraud and strengthens India’s secure telecommunication ecosystem.
[Release ID: 2193461]
