Government Clarifies: SIM Misuse Will Hold the Registered Owner Legally Accountable

The Government of India has issued a clear warning: if a SIM card registered in your name is misused for cyber fraud or any illegal activity, you too can be held responsible. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in an official statement on Monday, urged citizens to remain alert and avoid using any device with a tampered IMEI number.

SIM Misuse = Owner’s Liability

According to DoT, the registered owner of a SIM card will be answerable if the SIM is later used for fraudulent activities. The department strongly warned citizens against purchasing or using devices—such as modems, modules, or SIM boxes—that have altered IMEI numbers or allow IMEI manipulation.

DoT also cautioned against obtaining SIM cards using fake documents, using someone else’s credentials, or handing over your own SIM to another person. Such actions can lead to serious legal consequences, especially if the SIM is misused.

DoT’s Advisory Highlights

• Do not use devices with tampered IMEI numbers.
• Avoid buying modems or SIM boxes capable of IMEI manipulation.
• Do not obtain SIM cards using fake or borrowed identity documents.
• Do not hand over your personal SIM to someone else.

“Tampering with IMEI, acquiring SIMs fraudulently, or giving your SIM to others can result in criminal liability,” the statement stressed.

Verify IMEI with ‘Sanchar Saathi’

The DoT advised users to verify the IMEI details of their device through the ‘Sanchar Saathi’ portal or its mobile app to ensure it has not been altered.

Blocking Calls Won’t Stop Spam: TRAI

In a related development, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) clarified that simply blocking a number on your phone does not stop spam calls. Scammers can continue using new numbers to target others.

TRAI stated that over 2.1 million mobile numbers have been disconnected based on complaints filed through the TRAI DND app, and nearly one lakh organisations have been blacklisted for spam or fraudulent communications.

The regulator stressed:
“Blocking a number only hides it on your device—filing a complaint on the DND app is essential.”