Mobile repair shops to be subjected to strict check

Mangalore Today News Network

July 21, 2017: Mobile service and repair shops will now come under the scanner after the police detected persons changing the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number on stolen mobile phones in order to sell them.

The IMEI number is a unique 15-digit serial number given to every mobile phone and is also used to trace lost handsets.

The availability of devices for changing the IMEI number is a matter of concern.“We will carry out regular searches at mobile repair shops to see if any equipment is being used to change the IMEI numbers,” said Police.

Devices used to change the IMEI numbers are not branded, but look like Chinese-made ones,” . The devices can change IMEI numbers of even iPhones. “The IMEI number can be changed in just five to 10 minutes and the phone can be reformatted,” he said.

This illegal practice came to light after the police arrested some culprits,  when they were attempting to sell expensive smartphones at a cheap price to people.  Their interrogation revealed that the culprits owned mobile service and repair shops, where they were purchasing stolen or snatched mobile phones at a low price and selling them to customers in other States after changing the IMEI numbers.

While many phones were recovered changing of IMEI numbers of mobile phones was a national security threat as stolen and snatched mobile phones can also be used in terror activities, including triggering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). A warning to all concerned.