The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number is an international identity number used to uniquely identify a mobile phone. The 15-digit IMEI number is an electronic fingerprint transmitted every time a phone is used, which reveals the identity of the mobile handset. They are independent of phone numbers and are usually stamped beneath the battery on the back of the handset.
How can we find out our IMEI number?
IMEI numbers are independent of the phone number and are usually written underneath the battery or on the back of the handset. Mobile phone users can also check their 15 digit IMEI number by dialling *#06# on their mobile handset. Mobile phone owners should make a note of their IMEI number and keep the details in a safe place.
You can check the status of your handset to confirm whether it is blocked or unblocked by going to the AMTA website for lost and stolen IMEI status queries. Type in the IMEI number of the handset and the status of your handset will be found to the most recent time noted on the page.
Will the carriers or AMTA pass on information to law enforcement agencies when they block a handset?
Information will not be provided automatically; however, law enforcement agencies will be able to access information on who has attempted to connect a lost or stolen mobile phone on any network as part of their lawful investigation processes. Agencies can only receive information from the GSM network carriers and not AMTA’s central database.
Where a mobile carrier identifies a handset as lost or stolen, either by internal loss or customer report, only those IMEI’s blocked on their own network are to be sent by the mobile carrier to the AMTA’s IMEI central database. GSM network carriers must put in place adequate processes to ensure the integrity of the information that is provided to the central database. As a minimum this will involve:
Process to validate identity of the customer
Validation of IMEI based upon recent customer usage history
Validation of IMEI based upon the mobile carrier’s own inventory records
Change IMEI Number
It is not easy to modify IMEI numbers. It requires sophisticated equipment and technical skills in order to change IMEI numbers on modern mobile phones. The mobiles industry welcomes the government’s initiative to amend the criminal code to introduce a maximum two-year jail term for modifying IMEI numbers. It will be an offence to possess or control data or a device with the intention of it being used, by that person or another person, to illegally modify or change the IMEI of a mobile phone. It will also be an offence to produce, supply or obtain data or a device with the intention of it being used, by that person or another person, to illegally modify or change the IMEI of a mobile phone.
