Mobile phone theft is a widespread issue in many regions, including India. The high resale value of smartphones makes them prime targets for thieves, especially in densely populated areas or crowded public spaces like markets and public transportation.
To combat this problem, many Indian cities have adopted measures such as increased police patrols, public awareness campaigns, and tracking technologies to recover stolen devices. The Indian government’s Department of Telecommunications also operates the CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) portal dedicated to recovering stolen mobile phones.
The CEIR is a centralized system that manages and tracks mobile devices through their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers. This database allows network operators to share information on blacklisted devices, ensuring that a phone blacklisted on one network will not function on any other network in India, even if the SIM card is changed.
Here’s what to do if your mobile phone is stolen:
Before You Begin:
1.File a Police Complaint: Report your lost or stolen phone to the police and obtain a copy of the FIR (First Information Report), either digital or physical.
2. Find Your IMEI Number: The IMEI number can usually be found on a sticker behind the battery, on the retail box, or by dialing *#06# on your phone (if you still have access to it).
Using the CEIR Portal:
1. Visit the CEIR Portal: Go to the CEIR website.
2. Block Stolen/Lost Mobile: Click on the red tab labeled “Block Stolen/Lost Mobile.”
3. Fill in the Form: Provide the necessary details, including:
- The mobile number associated with the lost or stolen SIM card
- The IMEI number of the phone
- Information from your police complaint (FIR)
- Your personal details (name, address, etc.)
4. Complete Verification: Finish the CAPTCHA verification and click “Get OTP.”
5. Verify OTP: An OTP (one-time password) will be sent to your mobile number. Enter the OTP to verify.
6. Confirmation: Once your request is processed, you will receive a confirmation message with a reference ID for future reference.
Important Points:
- Blocking the phone through CEIR makes it unusable on any network in India.
- The CEIR portal does not assist in locating your lost phone.
- If you recover your phone later, you can request to unblock it using the same reference ID through the CEIR portal.
