New Delhi, Mar 4
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a strong warning against the misuse of telecom resources for cybercrime and financial frauds. Fraudsters are increasingly using SIM cards, mobile numbers, IP addresses, IMEI numbers, and SMS headers for illegal activities, including bulk messaging through fraud and impersonation.
The DoT has observed cases where individuals procure SIM cards under their names and hand them over to others, who then misuse them for cyber frauds. In some instances, SIM cards are acquired using fake documents, and Point of Sale (PoS) agents have been found facilitating such illegal activities, making them liable under the law.
A rising concern is the tampering of telecommunication identifiers, including Calling Line Identity (CLI), SMS headers, and device identifiers like IP addresses and IMEI numbers. Fraudsters use mobile apps and other means to modify these identifiers to commit crimes, violating the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
Under Section 42 (3) (c) and (e) of the Act, tampering with telecommunication identifiers or fraudulently obtaining SIM cards is strictly prohibited. Section 42 (7) classifies these offences as cognizable and non-bailable, with penalties including imprisonment of up to three years, fines up to ₹50 lakh, or both. The law also punishes those abetting such offences with the same severity.
The Telecommunications Act, 2023, is designed to act as a strong deterrent against telecom-related frauds. The DoT remains committed to ensuring a secure telecom ecosystem through advanced security measures and strict enforcement policies.
(Source: PIB)
