A SIM in your name could land you in court, even if you never used it: DoT warns
Nov 24, 2025
Synopsis
SIM card misuse: The Department of Telecom has warned mobile subscribers of potential liability if SIM cards in their name are misused for cyber fraud. Citizens are urged to avoid tampered IMEI devices and fraudulent SIM procurement, as legal consequences, including imprisonment and hefty fines, are now in effect under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
SIM Card Fraud: It takes only one message from a number you perhaps forgotten about or never used to discover that a stranger may have dragged you into a crime. The Department of Telecom has issued a warning that mobile subscribers may be held liable if a SIM card procured in their name is later found to have been misused for cyber fraud or any other illegal activity, PTI repored.
The official statement released on Monday in New Delhi said citizens must be alert to the risks linked to devices and SIMs tied to their identity.
The department said people should avoid using mobile devices with tampered IMEI numbers. It went on to warn against buying or using procured or assembled devices such as modems, modules and SIM boxes that contain configurable or tampered IMEIs. It said citizens should not procure SIM cards through fake documents, fraud or impersonation, and should not transfer or hand over SIM cards taken in their name to others, as these can be misused.
"Citizens should be aware that using devices with tampered IMEI numbers, procuring SIM cards through fraudulent means, or transferring or giving their SIM cards to others who misuse them for cyber fraud can result in serious legal consequences. The original user may also be held liable as an offender in cases where SIM cards procured in their name are subsequently misused," the statement said.
The department said subscribers should avoid mobile applications or websites that modify Calling Line Identity or other telecommunication identifiers.
According to the statement, the Telecommunications Act, 2023 includes a provision to impose strict penalties for tampering with telecommunication identifiers including the IMEI number of mobile handsets and other devices. Penalties for violating the act include imprisonment for up to three years, fines of up to Rs 50 lakh or both.
It added that the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024 prohibit any person from altering the IMEI or using, producing or possessing equipment in which IMEI can be configured, changed or altered.
The department said citizens should verify IMEI details through the Sanchar Saathi portal or the Sanchar Saathi mobile app, which shows the brand name, model and manufacturer information of the device. It added, "The government has also implemented the Sanchar Saathi initiative, providing digital tools for citizens to verify and secure their mobile connections. The government has put in place strict checks to prevent misuse of telecom resources and ensure a secure telecommunications ecosystem for all citizens."
(With PTI inputs)
[The Economic Times]
