[Resolved]  Samsung Mobile S 5233 STAR — Fake IMEI number due to which Airtel pre paid service provider has blocked my mobile phone services

IMEI # - [protected]

I purchased this SAMSUNG MOBILE PHONE (S 5233 STAR) from ALFA STORES in Vile Parle - Mumbai on 25 Jan '10. On 1st Feb '10 I bought an Airtel pre paid SIM & installed in the handset. The operations were absolutely fine.
Suddenly I receive this strange SMS from Airtel that My Handsets IMEI number is not genuine & that my services will be barred if I keep using this same set. I immediately called up the SAMSUNG Help Line & explained them this situation. They asked me to check the IMEI # by dialing *#06# from the phone & noting the number displayed, check the number embedded on my phone (below the battery section), on the purchase bill & on the Mobile phone box. All the 4 numbers were identical & I was assured by the SAMSUNG person that my IMEI # is absolutely fine & I should take up this matter with Airtel.
I did the same (after loooooooooooooong holds & talking to atleast 6 customer service representatives of Airtel) I explained them the situation but to no avail. I was given this straight answer that Please change your handset or we won’t resume our services.
Now I am left with no solution but to believe that the Handset provided by SAMSUNG has a fake IMEI #. I owe a suitable answer to SAMSUNG.

Regards,

Soni Sharma