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New Delhi, 11 September 2026: A very strict warning has been issued by the Central Government against illegal and wrong use of mobile phones and SIM cards. The Telecommunication Department has clarified that tampering with the IMEI number of a mobile, purchasing a SIM card on the basis of fake documents or giving your SIM card to another person is a very serious crime. A provision has been made for imprisonment up to 3 years and a heavy fine of up to Rs 50 lakh for those found guilty of violating such rules. Apart from this, citizens have also been advised to be cautious regarding the use of fake caller ID.

As per the Department of Telecommunications warning, it is completely illegal to make changes to the IMEI number of a mobile phone or to use devices whose IMEI number has been altered or damaged. This is a punishable offense under the 'Telecommunications Act 2023'. According to the Communication Ministry, breaking the rules can result in a jail term of up to 3 years or a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh or both. Not only this, under Section 42(6) of this Act, similar legal action will be taken against those who help or encourage those who commit such crimes.

• Crack down on fake SIM cards and fake caller IDs too

DoT has given a special warning to the citizens that they should not under any circumstances buy SIM cards through fake documents nor should they sell or give their SIM card to anyone else for use. Along with this, use of fake caller ID by various applications and websites will also be dealt with strictly. Using a device with an altered IMEI, obtaining a SIM by wrong means, or providing a SIM to someone doing illegal activities can land you in jail.

• Caution regarding Wi-Fi modem and SIM box

The government has advised citizens to avoid purchasing, using or assembling at home any Wi-Fi modem, SIM box or mobile device whose IMEI number can be tampered.

Citizens can use digital tools from the government's 'Sanchar Sathi' initiative to keep their mobile handsets secure and verified. Through 'Sanchar Sathi', the IMEI number of any mobile handset can be checked, in which the exact details of the device's brand, model and its manufacturing company can be easily seen. This strict action of the government is expected to put a big stop to cyber fraud and misuse of mobile technology.