NTC tells mobile networks to validate accounts of 100 SIMS registered under one name

Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on Wednesday said it is directing mobile network operators (MNOs) to intensify their validation of SIMs registered in unusually large numbers under a single individual.

In a statement, the NTC said the move is part of its efforts “to curb illegal activities involving the misuse of telecommunications services, such as by organized scam operations, small-time scammers or in SMS blaster devices.”

The telecommunications regulator said the directive is a consumer protection measure aiming to address financial fraud activities covered by the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) and deceptive business venture offers amid El Niño concerns noted by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“This activity will focus on accounts with more than 100 SIMs registered under one name,” the NTC said.

Under the directive, the NTC is giving telcos 15 days from receipt of the order to perform know-your-client (KYC) on subscribers to with more than 100 SIMs “to determine whether the registered end-users retain full possession and control of all the SIMs and are using them for legitimate purposes.”

Republic Act No. 11934, otherwise known as the SIM Registration Act, does not prescribe a limit to the number of SIMs a person may register under his name.

SIMs whose registered end-users cannot establish continued possession, control and legitimate use have been directed by the NTC to be deactivated, the regulatory body said.

“This includes SIMs that may have been sold or transferred without complying with the required registration procedures which is considered a criminal offense under the SIM Registration Act punishable by imprisonment ranging from six months to six years and/or a fine ranging from P100,000.00 to P300,000.00,” the NTC said.

“Towards this end, the NTC is also reminding the public to ensure that all SIMs they are personally using, especially those registered in banking apps, over-the-top platforms and mobile payments services, are registered in their names to avoid any inconvenience once telcos have commenced the mass deactivation of large number of SIMs inexplicably registered under individuals,” it said.

Once the SIMs are deactivated, it is permanent, unless the person can prove, by proper identification documents, that the affected SIM is registered personally under their name, according to the NTC.

“The initiative seeks to strengthen the integrity of SIM registration. NTC assures the public that legitimate subscribers who have properly registered their SIMs and continue to use them lawfully are not the intended targets of this measure,” it said. —NB, GMA News