Strange story: More than 13,500 Vivo phones are sold with the same IMEI number

The IMEI is a 15-digit number used to identify mobile devices and is unique to each smartphone, so there will be no two phones with the same IMEI number. This number is assigned by the manufacturer, enabling them to identify and manage the electronics sold.

Although in theory there is almost no coincidence of IMEI, however, there are reportedly over 13,500 Vivo phones sold in India with identical IMEI numbers.

Specifically, an inspector living in the city of Merrut (India) has conducted an investigation on this incident, after discovering that his phone was changed IMEI number since receiving the device from the protection center. Vivo’s launch in September 2019. The case was later handed over to the High Tech Crime Prevention Department of Meerut.

Within 5 months, Meerut police discovered more than 13,500 Vivo phones in different states in India with the same IMEI number. When asked, the manager of Vivo’s maintenance center in Delhi insisted he was not involved, nor did he know anything about the incident.

More importantly, in India, fake IMEI is a criminal offense and can be prosecuted. As a result, Merrut police sent a notice to Vivo’s Indian staff to request an explanation under section 91 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Note: If you purchased a new phone or received it after the warranty is returned, you need to check the IMEI number on the device with the IMEI number printed on the box and invoice. The test is quite simple, just open the dialer and enter * # 06 #. At this time, information about IMEI number will be displayed on the main screen of the phone.