The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a stern warning to mobile users regarding the misuse of SIM cards and telecom identifiers. According to reports from Mint, under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, fraudulent SIM issuance, misuse of telecom identifiers and IMEI tampering can attract imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh. The advisory was issued on 21 September 2026 and specifically targets users who allow SIM cards issued in their name to be used by others without their knowledge or consent. The warning comes amid growing concerns over the misuse of telecom resources in cybercrime, digital fraud and other unlawful activities as mobile connectivity and digital services expand rapidly across the country.
The warning follows a significant case uncovered during recent cybercrime investigations in Chhattisgarh, where a Point of Sale (PoS) agent allegedly activated 25 mobile connections using citizens' identification documents without their knowledge or consent. As reported by Mint, following the discovery, DoT and telecom service providers blacklisted the PoS agent, permanently preventing it from issuing mobile connections in the future. "Recent cybercrime investigations have brought to light some instances in which a Point of Sale (PoS) agent in Chhattisgarh was found to have illegally activated 25 mobile connections (SIMs) using citizens' identification documents without their knowledge or consent," the Ministry of Communications stated. The 25 connections were examined through DoT's Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP), with mobile connections identified as potentially fraudulent subjected to re-verification, and those that failed the verification process subsequently deactivated.
DoT has specifically warned against several practices that citizens should avoid, including obtaining SIM cards using fake documents, fraud, cheating or impersonation. According to the department, legal liability may extend to the original subscriber if SIM cards registered in their name are subsequently misused. The advisory also cautions against procuring SIM cards in one's own name and subsequently loaning, renting or using them as 'mule SIM' for cyber fraud or other unlawful activities, as such misuse may expose the original subscriber to legal liability. The Department stated that fraudulent issuance of SIM cards, misuse of telecom identifiers and tampering with International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers are serious offences under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
Users can utilize the government's Sanchar Saathi portal and app to check mobile numbers issued in their name and verify handset details. As reported by Mint, the platform allows users to identify connections that they do not require or do not recognise and seek their blocking. The service also provides a 'Check Genuineness of Your Mobile Handset' facility that can show information such as the phone's brand, model and manufacturer details. DoT has advised citizens to regularly check all mobile numbers linked to their identity and verify handset details when there is doubt about authenticity. With mobile connectivity and digital services expanding rapidly, authorities have emphasised the need for strict compliance with telecom regulations to protect citizens and maintain the integrity of communication networks.
