IMEI “unique” number tampering remains an issue. So I guess I should address it a third time to make sure people listen.
Many people authoritatively assume that a phone’s IMEI number is unique, and that if a phone has a specific IMEI number, no other phone has it. But in this case the conventional wisdom is wrong. I’ve addressed this twice:
- On April 1, 2025, I pursued the question with a sage-like reticence in my post “You Can’t Prove that an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) Number is Unique.”
- On August 26 of that year I got a little more forceful: “An IMEI Number Is NOT Unique to Each Mobile Phone.”
The problem: IMEI tampering
If you never read either of those posts, the reason that IMEI numbers are NOT unique is because you can tamper with the numbers. That’s what two Indian fraud rings did in the process of defrauding senior citizens, with victims losing as much as Rs 46 lakh (roughly US$48,000):
“The group specialised in IMEI cloning and used thousands of SIM cards from select mobile networks.”
Hmm…that’s potentially a lot of duplicate IMEI numbers. Is your phone cloned?
And the problem continues in September 2026. StratNews Global describes the laws governing IMEI tampering.
“Under the applicable provisions, it is unlawful to intentionally remove, obliterate, change or alter a unique Mobile Device Equipment Identification number. It is also unlawful to knowingly use, produce, traffic in, control, possess or have custody of hardware or software configured for such alteration.”
The solution: protect yourself from IMEI “unique” number tampering
So how do people protect themselves from IMEI tampering?
- Don’t buy devices with configurable or tampered IMEI numbers. Not even if it’s a really good deal. Especially if it’s a really good deal. Who knows how many people have devices with that same number?
- Don’t use “fake documents, fraud, cheating, or impersonation” to obtain such devices. You’re going to be the one burned in the end, which the people who sold the altered device to you will just skip town.
- Don’t hand over SIM cards registered in your name and let someone else use them. That’s as dumb as renting your LinkedIn account.
- Don’t repair your devices at unauthorized shady service centers. Again, not even if it’s a really good deal.
- Report lost or stolen devices. Americans of a certain age remember Karl Malden’s advice on this matter (do American Express Traveler’s Cheques ring a bell?).
Get the facts and educate
This one’s so funny to me because even authoritative sources assume that IMEI numbers are unique. They’re not.
And there are other examples, such as authoritative sources declaring that “Gender Shades” proved that facial recognition is biased. First, Gender Shades concerned facial analysis (characteristics), not facial recognition (individualization). Second, Gender Shades only examined three algorithms, and DHS and the FBI aren’t using any of them.
So how can your identity, biometric, or technology organization write a thought piece that educates your prospects and customers…leading to more revenue for you?
By contracting with a knowledgeable consultant who can help you convey your message.
Here’s what Bredemarket can do for you:
Interested? Visit https://bredemarket.com/watch-book/ to learn more and book a free meeting.
