Giving, selling or renting a SIM card taken in your name or documents to someone else can now prove costly. According to a recent notification issued by the Department of Telecom, buying and selling SIM cards using fake identity cards or manipulating the IMEI number of a mobile phone can lead to imprisonment of up to 3 years and a heavy fine of up to Rs 50 lakh. The Department of Telecom on Monday warned against fraudulent distribution of SIM cards, misuse of telecom identification numbers and manipulation of IMEI numbers.

This strict action follows a major cyber fraud incident in Chhattisgarh. The Department of Telecommunications took this significant decision after the incident came to light. In this case, an agent in Chhattisgarh had misused people's documents and activated 25 fake SIM cards without their knowledge. The department has blocked all such numbers and blacklisted the agent.

 The government has clearly stated that if the SIM card used on your identity card is used for cyber fraud, legal action will be taken against the original subscriber. Such SIM cards are called "mule SIMs." Furthermore, making calls from fake numbers by changing the calling ID or using apps is also considered a serious offense against national security.

The number of SIM cards per person in the country is limited to nine. In Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and the northeastern states, the limit is six. To identify those exceeding this limit, the government has added a new portal displaying photographs on the Digital Intelligence Platform. All telecom companies have been given a deadline of November 30 to integrate their systems with this portal. For security reasons, the Telecom Department has advised all citizens to immediately visit the Tatkal Sanchar Sathi portal or app to ensure that no unknown or unauthorized mobile number is active on their identity card.

PC: INDIA TODAY