Finding your lost or stolen phone just became much harder. A concerning trend shows criminals are easily changing your phone’s unique identification number. This makes it almost impossible for police to track or recover your device.
This is a big problem right now for phone owners. Law enforcement is also facing new hurdles. The system meant to help find lost phones is being bypassed. This affects millions of users across the country.
Your phone has a special ID. It’s called an IMEI. This stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It’s a 15-digit number that identifies your specific device. Think of it like your phone’s fingerprint. This number is unique to your handset.
Police use the IMEI to find lost phones. They can also ask service providers to block stolen devices. This stops thieves from using them. This system is crucial for mobile security.
But criminals found a way around this. They use special tools. These tools are called “flashers.” They can easily change your phone’s IMEI number. This happens quickly. It costs them very little money.
These “flasher” tools are readily available. You can find them in many repair shops. Some cost just a few hundred rupees. This low cost and easy access make the problem widespread. It’s a growing concern for everyone.
The government set up a system. It’s called the Central Equipment Identity Register, or CEIR. This system helps block stolen phones. It became fully operational in 2022. The CEIR system relies heavily on your phone’s IMEI. You can learn more about how CEIR works on its official website: CEIR Portal.
When criminals change the IMEI, the CEIR system loses its power. It can no longer track the device. It cannot block the phone effectively either. This makes CEIR less useful against determined thieves. The problem is simple: no original IMEI, no tracking.
Police are struggling with this issue. They might recover a stolen phone. But if the IMEI is different, they face a big problem. They cannot match it to the original owner. This creates legal difficulties.
Imagine getting your phone back. But the police cannot give it to you. This is because the new IMEI does not match your original one. It’s a frustrating situation for everyone involved.
The government recognizes this serious threat. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is working on a new law. This new law aims to make IMEI tampering a much bigger crime. It will make changing an IMEI a non-bailable offense. This means stricter punishment for offenders.
Currently, changing a phone’s IMEI is illegal. It falls under the Indian Telegraph Act. This crime can lead to up to 3 years in jail. It also carries hefty fines. But criminals still take the risk. They know it’s hard to track them.
The proposed new law aims to strengthen enforcement. It sends a strong message. Authorities want to crack down on this practice. This change is vital for public safety.
This issue impacts millions of people. India is a huge mobile phone market. Many people rely on their phones daily. Your phone holds personal data. It connects you to friends and family. Losing it is a big deal. You can read more about IMEI numbers on Wikipedia.
So, what can you do? Be proactive.
- Always keep your IMEI number safe. Note it down somewhere secure. You can find it by dialing *#06#.
- Report lost or stolen phones immediately.
- Use official channels like the CEIR portal.
- Back up your important data regularly. This protects your memories and information.
This trend shows a constant fight. Technology helps us. But it also gives new tools to criminals. Staying informed helps you protect your devices. It keeps your digital life safer.