In today’s digital age, everyone has a mobile phone. The most important component is the SIM card, which is required everywhere, from bank accounts to social media accounts. Many children in India still use SIM cards in their parents’ names, as the legal age for purchasing a SIM card is 18. However, many adults are also using SIM cards in other people’s names. This practice is illegal.
The government and the telecom department have become increasingly strict regarding fake SIM cards and cyber fraud. The telecom department recently issued a warning that obtaining a SIM card in this manner can be costly. If you, too, activate a SIM card using someone else’s documents without thinking, or give your ID to a stranger, learn about the potential penalties for such actions.
Under the new Telecommunications Act 2023, obtaining a SIM card fraudulently or obtaining a mobile connection by impersonating someone else is considered a serious and punishable offense. Anyone found to be fraudulent, deceitful, or using false identities to purchase a SIM card is subject to legal action.
If caught in such cases, the accused can face a jail sentence of up to three years. Furthermore, hefty fines can also be imposed. According to the law, those found guilty can be fined up to ₹50 lakh. This stringent provision of imprisonment and fines has been introduced to discourage people from engaging in illegal activities by concealing their identity.
In this era of cyber fraud and forgery, it is crucial to know how many SIM cards are active in your name. Many times, people are unaware that someone else is using a fake mobile number using their ID. To prevent such fraud, the Department of Telecommunications of the Government of India has launched the Sanchar Saathi portal and app. You can easily check which numbers are active on your ID by visiting this official portal.
If you see a number on the list that you don’t know and has been discontinued, you can immediately report it through the portal and have it blocked. This government initiative is for the safety of citizens. So, be vigilant, don’t let anyone misuse your documents, and keep your digital identity completely secure.