The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in Madhya Pradesh has taken action against a Point of Sale agent who illegally activated 25 mobile connections using citizens’ identification documents without their knowledge or consent. The DoT also emphasized the importance of complying with the provisions of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 to prevent telecom-related fraud and ensure a safe, secure, and trusted telecommunication environment.
Recent cybercrime investigations have revealed that 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. In response, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) Madhya Pradesh LSA took immediate action against the concerned PoS by blacklisting it and preventing any further issuance of SIMs. 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. This action was taken under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, which considers fraudulent issuance of SIM cards, misuse of telecom identifiers, or tampering with IMEI numbers as punishable offences.
The DoT reiterates that such violations may attract imprisonment of up to three years and fines up to ₹50 lakh. The Government of India has put in place stringent legal provisions to prevent tampering with and misuse of unique telecommunication identifiers, including the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number of mobile devices. Compliance with the provisions of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the rules framed thereunder is essential for preventing telecom-related fraud, protecting citizens, and ensuring a safe, secure, and trusted telecommunication environment.
Citizens are cautioned 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 through the Sanchar Saathi Portal (www.sancharsaathi.gov.in) and Mobile App.
The Government has put in place robust measures to prevent the misuse of telecommunication resources and strengthen the safety and security of India's telecommunications ecosystem. Citizens can access various services available under the Sanchar Saathi initiative to verify and protect their mobile connections and devices. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and make use of the digital tools available through the Sanchar Saathi initiative to verify and secure their mobile handsets.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
