What is a Type Allocation Code (TAC)?
The Type Allocation Code (TAC) consists of the first 8 digits of every 15-digit IMEI number. It is issued by authorized reporting bodies (such as TÜV Rheinland, BABT, and CTIA under license from the GSMA) to smartphone manufacturers before an electronic device receives regulatory permission to broadcast on cellular frequencies.
How Fraudsters Clone and Fake TAC Codes
Counterfeit smartphones often spoof famous TACs (like Apple or Samsung) to fool basic diagnostic apps. However, a fake device will fail deeper carrier interrogation or have mismatched internal baseband firmware. Cross-referencing the TAC with full GSMA blacklist records on IMEI.io protects buyers against cloned hardware.