What Happens If Someone Steals Your Phone's IMEI Number?

The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a unique number provided to each smartphone, and your smartphone, like other cellphones, has its own IMEI Number.

Now, if you discover that someone else has your IMEI Number, there are several things that might go wrong, which I'll explain.

Let's get this party started.

Is it possible for someone else to have my IMEI number?

Only a few people, including you, the merchant, and the smartphone manufacturer, are aware of the IMEI Number, which is a unique number allocated to each device.

It's nearly hard for someone else to discover your IMEI Number in normal circumstances. Still, suppose they have access to the smartphone's box or the smartphone itself. In that case, they can locate it and use it for various purposes, as I'll describe in the following sections.

What if my IMEI number is stolen? Is It Harmful?

The IMEI Number is your network's gateway, and if someone knows your IMEI Number, a lot of bad things can happen, and it's very risky.

If someone obtains your IMEI number, they can clone your phone and accuse you of doing something you didn't do.

Furthermore, suppose they are successful in cloning your smartphone. In that case, they may be able to use it for illegal purposes such as terrorism, and you may face harsh consequences for something you did not do.

It will also be difficult for you to prove your innocence because determining someone's IMEI Number is quite tricky.

If someone gets your IMEI number, they can call the local law enforcement department and report it stolen. Usually, they would need proof of ownership, but they can undoubtedly fabricate one and give you problems.

Although this scenario is not as hazardous as the first, they can still use your IMEI number to cause you problems for a few days.

What Should You Do If You Discover Your IMEI Number Is In The Hands Of Someone Else?

You won't be able to do anything if someone has your IMEI Number and hasn't used it for anything illegal. However, maintain track of who has access to your IMEI Number so that you have a list of suspects in the event something goes wrong in the future.

Similarly, suppose you believe someone has your IMEI Number and you are concerned that they will use it for illegal purposes. In that case, you can call a lawyer or immediately contact the law enforcement agency to have it recorded.

So that if they use your IMEI number for illegal purposes or to frame you, you'll be protected by the law, which might save you much trouble.

Is It Safe to Share My IMEI Number?

You should never reveal your IMEI number to anyone under normal circumstances since it can get you into trouble. However, some dealers and retailers insist on taking down the device's IMEI number for registration purposes.

Is it illegal to change the IMEI number?

There are hundreds of nations globally, each with its own set of laws and restrictions regarding IMEI number changes.

Many nations make it unlawful to modify the IMEI of a device, and they have laws in place to penalize anyone who does so. The Telephones (Re-Programming) Act in the United Kingdom, for example, imposes a fee on those who modify the IMEI of devices or have the means to do so.

It's also worth noting that while changing IMEI numbers isn't illegal in many countries, there are rules protecting digital property that can be used to prosecute you. So, unless it's very required or crucial, I wouldn't recommend changing your device's IMEI number.

Is it illegal in the US to change your IMEI number?

Although there is no explicit legislation prohibiting people from altering their IMEI numbers in the United States, as I previously stated, there are other laws that can be utilized to charge people.

It can be deemed fraud if you use the IMEI of another device on your smartphone to access the network. Fraud is a criminal offense in the United States, punishable by up to ten years in prison under 18 USC 1001.

Other rules can be used against you, mainly if you do something criminal after changing your IMEI.

Is it possible for someone to listen in on my phone calls using my IMEI number?

Although the IMEI is crucial, it cannot be used to access your network. If someone wants to listen in on your calls, they'll need your phone number, which is nearly impossible to obtain. If they do, though, it is a severe offense, and they could face years in prison.

Is it possible to snoop on the phone using the IMEI number?

When you connect to your network, it records your device's IMEI number to confirm it and grant access. Someone who has your IMEI number may now follow you and then use your phone number to track your calls and messages.

However, not everyone can do so, and only law enforcement agencies such as the National Security Agency (NSA) have such access to networks.

What may an IMEI number be used for by a scammer?

If a scammer obtains your IMEI number, they can only frame you or clone your cellphone and do anything illegal with it. Aside from that, they have no access to your phone's data or the ability to trace your calls.

What is the purpose of an IMEI number?

The IMEI number is a one-of-a-kind number required for various tasks, including smartphone registration. In addition, if your device is stolen, you can use it to put it on the blacklist, making it impossible for the thief to use it on the network.

Conclusion

That's all there is to it, guys. You learned what happens if someone obtains your IMEI Number and what can go wrong in this article.

Veronica

Veronica is a culture reporter at Collaborative Research Group, where she writes about food, fitness, weird stuff on the internet, and, well, just about anything else. She has also covered technology news and has a penchant for smartphone stories. .