The Rajasthan Police’s Cyber Crime Branch is advising citizens to verify the authenticity and status of mobile phones before purchasing them, especially second-hand devices. Failure to do so could lead to financial losses, legal issues, and exposure to cyber fraud. Many individuals buy used mobile phones without proper verification, only to later discover that the devices are stolen, blacklisted, or cloned.
To assist consumers in making informed decisions, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India has introduced the Know Your Mobile (KYM) service through the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal. This service allows users to check a mobile phone’s authenticity and theft status before making a purchase.
The KYM service provides crucial information about a mobile device, such as its brand, model details, authenticity, and blacklist status. It can determine if a device is genuine or cloned, and whether it has been reported stolen, lost, or blocked. Users can obtain the device’s IMEI number by dialing *#06# on the handset.
Verification can be done by sending a message with “KYM [space] IMEI Number” to 14422 after obtaining the IMEI number. The device’s status will be sent via SMS. Alternatively, users can download the “KYM – Know Your Mobile” application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to manually enter the IMEI number or scan the barcode on the device’s packaging for details.
Mobile phone status can also be checked through the official CEIR portal by entering the IMEI number in the IMEI verification section. The Cyber Crime Branch advises against purchasing any mobile phone that appears as “Blacklisted” or “Blocked” during verification, as these devices may be associated with illegal activities.
Verifying a mobile phone’s IMEI number through the KYM service before buying can help prevent cyber fraud and safeguard consumers from potential legal and financial troubles. The department also encourages citizens to promptly report cybercrime incidents and seek assistance if they encounter cyber fraud or scams.
