Tampering Mobile IMEI Number Will Attract 3 Years Imprisonment, Fine: Dept Of Telecom

The government has recently announced that tampering of IMEI number is a punishable offence that will attract a jail term of up to 3 years. The move is expected curb issues pertaining to fake IMEI numbers and also simplify tracking of lost mobile phones.

What is the IMEI number?

The International Mobile Equipment Identity number is a 15-digit number that uniquely identifies a mobile phone. In case a person loses their mobile phone, they can get it tracked or blocked using this number.

Whenever a user makes a call, the call record shows phone number of the caller and IMEI number of the handset from which the call has been made. The mobile number in a handset may be changed by changing SIM but IMEI number can be changed by a technical person using special equipment.

How can you find your cell phone’s IMEI number?

Method 1: Open the back cover of your mobile phone and check the plate under the battery. The 15-digit unique code printed there is the IMEI number of your phone.

Method 2: Dial *#06# and the IMEI number of your cell phone will be displayed on the screen.

Government notification

In a notification dated August 25 by the Department of Telecom, it said, “It shall be unlawful, if a person, except the manufacturer – intentionally removes, obliterates, changes, or alters unique Mobile Device Equipment Identification Number.”

It further added that using a mobile device whose IMEI number has been changed unlawfully or software that can change or tamper the unique number, will also be punishable.