Navigating the SMS Block: Steps to Take If Your Phone is Labeled as Cloned or Duplicate

If you receive a text message or SMS informing you that your cell phone will be blocked due to an IMEI detected as cloned or duplicate, it is crucial to take action. According to the Supervisory Body for Private Investment in Telecommunications (OSIPTEL), there are steps you can follow if you do not agree with the block.

Operating companies use an online system called Renteseg, which detects daily cellular devices with altered IMEIs. When this happens, they send a text message or SMS alerting users about the situation of their device and informing that it will be blocked within two business days.

If you receive the message, the first step is to verify if the IMEI indicated in the SMS matches the IMEI of your cell phone. To do this, dial *#06# and compare it with the physical IMEI located on the back of your phone or in the SIM tray. If both IMEIs match, go in person to the nearest service center of your operating company to question the block. The operating company will carry out a secure validation process to verify the originality of your cell phone.

During this validation process, biometric fingerprint verification and verification of both physical and logical IMEIs of your device will be conducted. If everything aligns, your operator will enable your original cell phone with your mobile line and provide you with proof of the procedure. Operating companies must ensure due attention to subscribers presenting blocking questions without need for additional documents or procedures.

To check if an IMEI is registered as stolen, lost, cloned, or invalid, you can use OSIPTEL’s IMEI checking tool.