The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) on Wednesday warned the public against fraudulent offers of expedited SIM card registration, saying there are no shortcuts to complying with Republic Act No. 11934, the SIM Registration Act, which is now two years in effect.
CICC executive director Alexander Ramos issued the advisory amid the proliferation of dubious social media accounts offering SIM card registration services for all networks for a minimal fee.
It said one social media account named DITO Telecommunity tried to attract customers with SIM card registration for all networks.
DITO Telecommunity Corp., however, disowned the social media account and claimed that it had not authorized the practice.
“We’re the strictest among the three on SIM registration,” DITO replied to queries from CICC.
RA 11934, enacted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Oct. 10, 2022, took effect on Dec. 27,2022 to promote responsibility in the use of SIM.
The law also provides “enforcement agencies the tools to resolve crimes which involve its utilization and a platform to deter the commission of wrongdoings.”
Ramos reminded the public that SIM card users are required to personally register with their respective networks and should show their government issued identification card and selfie.
“The SIM registration process is not that complicated and there is no need to hire a third party to do it for you. Do not be deceived by those offering to register your SIM,” he said.
Ramos warned that third parties offering SIM registration service might use the information for other purposes.
As of July 30,2023, a total of 113,969,014 SIM were registered out of the 168,016,400 SIM cards in circulation.
Those who have questions or issues related to SIM registration may call the Inter Agency Response Center hotline 1326. The hotline operates round-the-clock from Mondays to Sundays including holidays.
