Overview
- The Department of Telecommunications issued an advisory on November 24 warning that SIM cards procured in a person’s name can expose them to liability if later used for cyber fraud or other illegal activity.
- Citizens are told to avoid devices with tampered IMEI numbers and to steer clear of assembled or configurable hardware such as SIM boxes, modems and modules.
- Subscribers are cautioned not to obtain connections using fake documents or impersonation and not to hand over SIM cards registered in their name.
- The advisory warns against using mobile apps or websites that modify Calling Line Identity or other telecommunication identifiers.
- The DoT highlights penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment and fines up to Rs 50 lakh under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the 2024 cyber security rules, and urges IMEI checks via the Sanchar Saathi portal or app.