DoT Warns Against SIM Fraud; Blacklists PoS Agent

UdaipurTimes, Sept 21, 2026 - The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued strict advisory against fraudulent SIM issuance after 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 25 mobile connections were examined on the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) of the DoT and those identified as suspicious were subjected to re-verification. Numbers failing re-verification were subsequently deactivated. The DoT and Telecom Service Providers immediately blacklisted the concerned PoS, preventing it from issuing mobile connections (SIMs) in the future, as per a Ministry of Communications press release.

DoT has, therefore, reiterated that fraudulent issuance of SIM cards, misuse of telecom identifiers or tampering with IMEI numbers is a punishable offence under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. Such violations may attract imprisonment of up to three years and fines up to Rs 50 lakh. 

The government has cautioned citizens not to share or transfer SIM cards issued in their name, as legal liability may extend to the original subscriber if the SIM is found to be misused. To safeguard themselves, citizens are advised to regularly verify their mobile connections and handsets through the Sanchar Saathi Portal (www.sancharsaathi.gov.in) and Mobile App. 

DoT advises citizens to refrain from:

• Using, procuring or assembling devices such as modems, modules, SIM Boxes or other equipment with configurable or tampered IMEIs
• Procuring SIM cards through fake documents, fraud, cheating or impersonation
• Transferring, selling or handing over SIM cards obtained in their name to others who may misuse them
• Using mobile applications, websites or any other means to modify Calling Line Identity (CLI) or other telecommunication identifiers
• Procuring SIM cards in their own name and subsequently loaning, renting or muling of SIM for misuse in cyberfraud or any other unlawful activity, that may result in legal liability for the original subscriber
• Using devices with tampered IMEI numbers, obtaining SIM cards through fraudulent means or transferring SIM cards to persons who misuse them leading to serious legal consequences