More than 13,500 Vivo phones found using same IMEI number
What's the story
In a major shocker, more than 13,500 Vivo smartphones have been seized with the same International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. The matter came into notice back in January, and now, after a five-month-long investigation, the cyber cell of Meerut Police has validated the matter and filed a formal fraud case against the Chinese smartphone maker. Here's all you need to know about it.
Issue
Sub-inspector noted IMEI number change
Earlier this year, a Meerut Police sub-inspector got his Vivo phone back from the service center and discovered that the IMEI of the device had changed. The number was different from the one printed on his phone's box, which prompted the cyber cell unit of Meerut Police to launch an official investigation and get to the bottom of the matter.
Discovery
Over 13,500 devices found running on same IMEI
While the manager of the service center in Delhi repeatedly insisted that the IMEI had not been changed, the cyber cell discovered that more than 13,500 smartphones were running on the exact same number as that of the police personnel's phone. The information was validated by telcos, following which a case of fraud was registered against Vivo and the service center in question.
Result
It is a 'concerning' matter: Meerut Police
In a video interview tweeted by ZEE journalist Jitender Sharma, a Meerut Police official said that the technical aspects of the case are still being assessed and the company officials have been contacted to understand how over 13,000 phones ended up running on the same IMEI. Multiple devices cannot have the same IMEI, the official in the video stressed while calling the matter 'concerning'.
Uniqueness
How this could be an issue?
Often printed on the box of smartphones as well as coded into them, 15-digit IMEI numbers remain unique to devices and can be used to identify them or stop them from accessing the network in cases of theft. Now, if more than 13,500 phones use the same IMEI, it would be a major problem to track those units, especially in cases of criminal acts.
Information
Vivo has not commented on the matter
Vivo has not yet commented on the matter, but Meerut SP Akhilesh N Singh said that the primary investigation indicated that this is a case of negligence on part of the company.