The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) issued a cautionary notice to those mobile subscribers who have their connections disconnected due to use of handsets with non-valid IMEI and who maybe tempted to approach shopkeepers and other players offering to implant valid IMEI onto such handsets.

COAI says that while it had offered such a programme some time back it has withdrawn the same following directive from the DoT.

However unauthorized players are still offering the service to make quick money. But such implants are now illegal.