Gov’t launches SIM card registration as protection against scammers

BY: KURT G. BICOL

In an effort to reduce the number of text messaging scams and other cybercrimes, the government implemented the SIM Card Registration Act under the Republic Act (RA) 11934 last December 27, 2022.

The registration process requires all SIM card owners to provide personal information such as their name, address, date of birth, sex, and a government issued ID. This will potentially cut down incidents of phone-based scams by having all users identified while terminating the SIMs of non complying subscribers.

Previously, given 180 days to register, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) abruptly moved old subscribers’ deadline of registration to April 26. While SIM cards bought after the passing of the act will be required to register before being activated.

PLDT, Smart, Globe,

Sun, DITO, and other telecommunication providers have added the registration feature online via their respective websites along with the instructions to assist the subscribers.

In light of that, DICT advises the public to strictly register in the official websites and be cautious regarding suspicious emails or texts and fraudulent sites taking advantage of the SIM card registration.

In a press conference, PLDT and Smart FVP and Head of Corporate Communications Cathy Yang reminded that Smart SIM registration and assistance are free of charge.

“Libre po ang pag register at libre din ang tulong na binibigay ng Smart,” Yang clarified amidst new phishing schemes. Aiming for national security, DICT encourages all subscribers to register. The department also reported a significant drop in text scams upon the implementation of the mandatory SIM registration.

As of March 7, 73 days since the enactment, DICT has recorded 41,471,503 registered subscribers which is only 24.54% of the total 168,977,773 subscribers nationwide. Due to the current rate, DICT is considering adding a 120-day extension to the registration process. This will effectively delay the deadline from the original set deadline which is dated April 26 which in turn was scheduled to mid-year, August 24.