The Department of Telecom (DoT) has issued a crucial advisory warning mobile subscribers about potential legal repercussions if their registered SIM cards are misused for illegal activities, such as fraud or impersonation. This advisory comes amid rising instances of cybercrime facilitated by SIM cards acquired through fraudulent means or borrowed from unwitting individuals. The DoT emphasizes the importance of vigilance regarding devices linked to one’s identity and outlines strict legal penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines, for tampering with telecom identifiers. To mitigate risks, users are encouraged to utilize the government’s Sanchar Saathi portal to monitor active SIMs registered in their name and ensure their personal information remains secure amidst an evolving landscape of online threats.