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Govt issues advisory to check smartphones before purchase

India’s Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre has issued a public advisory urging consumers to verify the authenticity of smartphones before purchase, warning against the risks of buying stolen, cloned, or counterfeit devices.

The advisory highlights that many buyers tend to prioritise specifications and pricing while overlooking basic verification checks. Authorities caution that failing to confirm a device’s legitimacy could result in serious consequences, including network blocking, financial losses, or even legal complications if the device is found to be stolen.

IMEI Verification Key to Safe Purchase

A central recommendation in the advisory is to check the smartphone’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. Buyers are advised to ensure that the IMEI displayed on the device matches the number printed on the box and purchase invoice. Any mismatch may indicate tampering or cloning.

Users can retrieve the IMEI number by dialling *#06# on their device. Once obtained, the number should be verified through the official Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal, managed by the Department of Telecommunications. The portal allows users to confirm whether a device is genuine or has been reported lost or stolen.

The verification process typically involves entering the IMEI number, completing a CAPTCHA, and confirming via a one-time password. Authorities note that this step is particularly important when purchasing devices from offline markets or lesser-known sellers.

Avoid Suspicious Deals and Sellers

The advisory also stresses the importance of buying smartphones only from authorised retailers or trusted platforms. Consumers are urged to be cautious of deals that appear significantly cheaper than market prices, as these may involve illegal or refurbished devices being sold without proper disclosure.

Keeping purchase receipts and original packaging is also recommended, as these documents can be essential for future verification or in case of disputes.

The warning reflects growing concerns around smartphone-related fraud in India, where cloned and stolen devices continue to circulate in secondary markets. By following basic verification steps and relying on official tools, buyers can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to such scams and ensure their devices are safe for long-term use.