12 hrs ago
Telecom Department Warns of SIM Misuse, ₹50 Lakh Fine
The Department of Telecommunications warned people to be careful with SIM cards registered in their names.
A SIM card is the small card that connects a phone to a mobile network.
If someone else misuses a SIM in your name, you may face legal trouble.
The department said serious violations can bring up to three years in prison and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh.
It found a case in Chhattisgarh where 25 phone connections were allegedly created using people’s identity documents without permission.
People should check which phone numbers are connected to their identity.
They can do this using the government’s Sanchar Saathi website or app.
They should not sell, lend or rent out SIM cards registered in their names.
They should also check a phone’s IMEI details and avoid devices or tools that change telecom identifiers.
The Department of Telecommunications warned that SIM misuse and telecom-identifier tampering can lead to three years’ imprisonment and fines of up to ₹50 lakh.
Users may face legal liability if SIM cards registered in their names are handed to others and later misused.
A Chhattisgarh Point of Sale agent allegedly activated 25 connections using citizens’ identity documents without their knowledge or consent.
The Department of Telecommunications advised users to review numbers linked to their identity through the Sanchar Saathi portal or app.
Users can also check handset IMEI details and should avoid fake documents, mule SIMs, SIM boxes and tampered identifiers.
- Who
- The Department of Telecommunications, telecom service providers, mobile users and a Chhattisgarh Point of Sale agent are involved.
- What
- The department warned about legal consequences for fraudulent SIM issuance, SIM misuse and tampering with IMEI or other telecom identifiers.
- Where
- The reported case involved a Point of Sale agent in Chhattisgarh; users can conduct checks through the Sanchar Saathi portal or app.
- When
- The advisory was issued on 21 September, following a case uncovered during recent cybercrime investigations.
- Why
- The warning followed the alleged activation of 25 mobile connections using citizens’ identity documents without their knowledge or consent and concerns about telecom misuse.
Key facts
- Maximum penalty
- Up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
- Reported case
- A Chhattisgarh Point of Sale agent allegedly activated 25 mobile connections using citizens’ identification documents without consent.
- Recommended check
- Review all mobile numbers linked to your identity through the Sanchar Saathi portal or mobile app.
- Handset verification
- Sanchar Saathi’s Check Genuineness of Your Mobile Handset facility can show a phone’s brand, model and manufacturer details.
- Prohibited conduct
- Users should avoid fake documents, impersonation, transferring SIMs to others, mule SIMs and SIMs used for cyber fraud.
- Identifier warning
- The department warned against tampered or configurable IMEI numbers and tools that modify Calling Line Identity or other telecom identifiers.
Sources
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