Is It Legal to Change an IMEI Number?

IMEI Modification: Legal Status Worldwide

Changing, altering, or cloning an IMEI number is illegal in the vast majority of countries. This guide explains why, what the penalties are, and how to spot a device with an altered IMEI.

Why IMEI Modification Is Illegal

IMEI numbers are the global identifier system for mobile devices. Altering an IMEI enables criminals to:

• Evade blacklisting after a phone is reported stolen
• Operate multiple devices on a single carrier account
• Clone devices for fraudulent insurance claims
• Avoid detection for criminal activities

IMEI Modification Laws by Country

• UK — Criminal offense under the Mobile Telephones (Re-programming) Act 2002. Up to 5 years imprisonment.
• USA — Federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 1029. Up to 10 years imprisonment.
• India — Criminal offense under the Indian Telegraph Act and IT Act. Fine and imprisonment.
• EU — Illegal under national implementations of EU Radio Equipment Directive.
• Australia — Criminal telecommunications offense under Commonwealth law.

How to Detect an Altered IMEI

• IMEI check returns "invalid TAC" for a supposedly genuine device
• IMEI on the device doesn't match the IMEI on the box or SIM tray
• Device shows different IMEI when *#06# is dialed vs what's in Settings
• Carrier refuses to register the device due to IMEI conflict

Always verify an IMEI via IMEI Check Pro free before purchasing. A legitimate device will always return a valid TAC and recognisable device model.