The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has warned mobile users not to let other people use SIM cards registered in their name. The department said that fraudulent SIM issuance, misuse of telecom identifiers and tampering with mobile device identifiers can lead to legal action.
In an advisory issued on September 21, DoT said violations under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, can attract imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh.
The warning is important for anyone who has ever given their SIM card to another person, or suspects that a mobile number may have been issued using their identity documents without their knowledge.
The advisory followed a case found during cybercrime investigations in Chhattisgarh. According to DoT, a Point of Sale (PoS) agent allegedly activated 25 mobile connections using citizens' identity documents without their knowledge or consent.
After the case came to light, DoT and telecom companies blacklisted the PoS agent, stopping it from issuing more SIM cards.
The 25 connections were also checked through DoT's Digital Intelligence Platform. Numbers found suspicious were sent for re-verification. Those that failed the verification process were later deactivated.
The case highlights why users should check which mobile numbers are registered in their name.
DoT has also warned subscribers against selling, transferring, lending, renting or simply handing over a SIM registered in their own name to another person.
This is important because if that number is later used for cyber fraud or another unlawful activity, the original subscriber could face legal liability, according to the department.
Users have also been advised not to obtain SIM cards using fake documents, fraud, cheating or impersonation.
DoT has specifically warned against getting a SIM in your own name and then allowing it to be used as a "mule SIM" for cyber fraud or other illegal activities.
The department has also warned users against using devices such as modems or SIM boxes with configurable or tampered IMEI numbers.
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a unique identifier associated with a mobile device. DoT has also cautioned against using apps, websites or other tools to change Calling Line Identity (CLI) or other telecom identifiers.
The government says misuse or tampering with such identifiers can affect telecom networks and create risks for users.
Users can check mobile connections issued in their name through the government's Sanchar Saathi portal or mobile app. The service allows people to identify numbers they do not recognise or no longer need and report them for action.
The same platform also provides a facility to check the genuineness of a mobile handset using its IMEI number. Users can find their phone's IMEI by dialling *#06#. The official service can provide details such as the device's manufacturer, brand and model.
For mobile users, DoT's message is simple: check which numbers are registered in your name and do not hand over your SIM to someone else. A connection registered using your identity can be misused even if you are not the person operating it.