DoT: DoT has blocked 27 lakh mobile phones to tackle cybercrime. This decision will help in curbing the use of fake SIMs and IMEIs. Keep your mobile number safe.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has decided to block 27 lakh mobile phones involved in cybercrime and fraud. This step wastaken on July 2, 2025. This is being considered a big step to deal with digital frauds happening in the country. These phones were found to have fake SIM cards and illegal IMEI numbers, which were being used for online fraud, financial fraud and many other criminal activities.
Why the action
This step has been taken by DoT to prevent cybercrime and protect people from digital security. Cybercrime cases in India have been on the rise in the last few months. It was found that fake SIM cards and stolen or fake IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers were being used. These phones were being used in crimes like WhatsApp calls, banking frauds and SMS scams. More than 781,000 SIM cards and 208,469 IMEI numbers were already blocked by the government. But this time the scope is much wider. This step has been taken in collaboration with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and other agencies.
According to the DoT, blocking these 27 lakh phones will affect the activities of cyber criminals to a great extent. Most of these phones were either registered with fake SIMs or their IMEI numbers were being used illegally. This action will also affect users who may be unknowingly using these phones. Especially those who used to change their SIM cards frequently. The government has made it clear that affected users will have to check the validity of their phones and SIMs; otherwise, these services can be completely stopped.
What do users do?
To avoid this action and ensure their safety, users must take the following steps:
Check the SIM and IMEI- Check the IMEI number by dialling * #06 # on your phone.
Aadhaar-based verification: You must link your SIM with Aadhaar and then complete the e-KYC process.
Get in touch with DOT: If your phone is blocked, then you can file a complaint on the DoT helpline (1930) or on the website.
Protect sensitive data: Beware of unknown calls or messages and use a strong password.