SIM card rules: Telecom department's big warning, if you do this, you will be fined Rs 50 lakh..

India has recently witnessed a sharp rise in cyber fraud cases. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has expressed concern over the misuse of telecom resources and has launched several initiatives to prevent such criminal activities. Fraudsters are misusing these resources using various methods. According to reports, criminals are obtaining telecom identities such as SIM cards and SMS headers by fraud or concealing identity and are sending fake messages to the public on a large scale through this.

Methods of fraud

It has also come to light that some people are taking SIM cards in their name and giving them to others for use. In many cases, these SIM cards are used in cyber fraud, due to which the real SIM card holders can also be considered involved in the crime. Apart from this, cases of obtaining SIM cards by fake documents, fraud, or impersonation of identity have also come to light, which is a violation of the Telecommunication Act, of 2023.

In some cases, Point of Sale (POS) centers have also played a role in the purchase and sale of these fake SIM cards, making them partners in this crime. Apart from this, criminals are sending fraudulent messages by changing the IP address, IMEI number (mobile equipment identification number), and SMS header.

The Telecom Department's warning
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a strict warning against these illegal activities and termed it a serious violation of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

Section 42 (3) (c) prohibits tampering with telecom identity.

Section 42 (3) (e) prohibits any person from obtaining a SIM card or telecom identity by fraud.

Section 42 (7) makes this offense serious and non-bailable, punishable under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

Stringent punishments

Under Section 42(3), offenders can face imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh, or both.

According to Section 42(6), those who assist in these offenses will also be subject to similar punishment.

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