The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has requested Smart Communications to submit an official report regarding its compliance with Republic Act No. 11934, also known as the SIM Card Registration Law.
CICC Executive Director Alexander K. Ramos has made an urgent call for action because of the increase in unregistered SIM cards used in text scams and cybercrimes.
CICC and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) are working closely together to tackle the problem of text scams, even with the SIM Card Law in place.
Ramos said they were alarmed when an ongoing inquiry found that unregistered SIM cards were being used to receive online bank transaction messages.
“We have been receiving a litany of complaints from the public that they continue to receive unwanted text messages either offering them loans, online gambling, cryptocurrency investments and job offers from unknown persons identified with Smart issued numbers,” highlighted Ramos. “It’s time for the government to get tough on these telcos.”
Law enforcement recently confiscated thousands of fake and unregistered SIM cards used for defrauding the public during their crackdown on organized crime, including call center-type operations. Most SIM cards are prepaid Smart SIM cards. Additional SIM cards found with GCash accounts are also Globe prepaid cards.
The SIM Registration Act, also known as the SIM card law, requires all SIM cards to be registered before they can be used. This law, effective December 27, 2022, aims to reduce cybercrime and prevent text scams.
Leave a comment