DoT Cautions Against Fraudulent SIM Issuance

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued an advisory on 21 September 2026 on fraudulent SIM card issuance, misuse of telecom identifiers, and tampering with International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers. The advisory refers to penalties under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, which provides for imprisonment of up to three years and fines of up to ₹50 lakh for specified violations.

Fraudulent SIM Issuance

Fraudulent SIM issuance involves activation of mobile connections using another person’s identity documents without consent. In one case in Chhattisgarh, a Point of Sale agent activated 25 mobile connections using citizens’ identification documents without their knowledge. The DoT and telecom service providers blacklisted the agent after the case was detected.

Digital Verification and Subscriber Liability

The DoT examined the 25 connections through the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP). Suspicious numbers were re-verified, and those that failed verification were deactivated. The advisory states that legal liability may extend to the original subscriber if a SIM issued in that person’s name is used for unlawful activity.

IMEI and Telecom Identifier Misuse

IMEI is a unique 15-digit number used to identify a mobile device on a cellular network. The DoT cautioned against tampering with IMEI numbers and against using devices such as SIM Boxes with configurable or altered IMEIs. Telecom identifiers are used in network authentication, device tracking, and fraud detection in mobile communications.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Telecommunications Act, 2023 is the principal law cited for penalties linked to telecom-related violations.
• IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity and is used to identify mobile handsets.
• The Sanchar Saathi Portal and Mobile App are used to check mobile connections issued in a subscriber’s name.
• A Point of Sale agent is an authorised retail-level seller involved in SIM card activation and customer verification.

Citizen Advisory and Verification Tools

Citizens are advised not to share or transfer SIM cards issued in their names. They are also advised to check mobile connections regularly through the Sanchar Saathi Portal at www.sancharsaathi.gov.in and the Mobile App. The advisory also warns against procuring SIM cards using fake documents.