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DICT explains why text scams continue to occur despite SIM registration
DICT explains why text scams continue to occur despite SIM registration
By Sonny Daanoy
At A Glance
- The causes of the ongoing scam messages are the relaxation of identification card (ID) requirements and the illicit sale of identities to syndicates.
- Uy also mentioned that syndicates are utilizing other platforms for their scamming activities.
- Uy urged the public to avoid answering calls from unknown numbers in order to prevent scamming incidents.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Sunday, Sept. 3, explained the reasons for the continued occurrence of scam messages despite the implementation of the SIM Registration Law.
In a DZBB interview, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said that the possible causes of the ongoing scam messages are the relaxation of identification card (ID) requirements and the illicit sale of identities to syndicates.
"This is what's happening—some are using fake identities, while others are using real ones, but what they're doing is selling the SIM cards registered in their names to syndicates, and these syndicates are using them for fraudulent activities," Uy said in a mix of Filipino and English.
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The DICT relaxed the ID requirements in order to make the registration process more accessible to people who had difficulty meeting the requirements.
"They were having difficulty registering SIM cards because they didn't have proper IDs, so we simplified the ID requirements and started accepting barangay IDs to allow them to register," the DICT chief said.
This adjustment opened an opportunity for scammers to continue their illegal activities.
"By simplifying the identification submission process, it could enable some individuals to use fake identities," he said.
As per the DICT chief, "rumors" said that the possible prices of registered SIM cards range from P100 to P500 each.
Consequence of selling identification
Uy mentioned that the sellers of these SIM cards might be accessories or accomplices in the scamming activities.
"What our fellow countrymen may not realize is that if they sold their SIM cards for such amounts when we track down the criminals who used those SIM cards, they might also be implicated in legal proceedings," Uy noted.
Likewise, people buying registered SIMs might face false identification or identity theft charges.
Furthermore, the DICT head underscored the promising decline in the number of scam messages since the SIM registration concluded on July 25.
Users used to receive six to seven scam messages a day before the deadline. However, this number decreased to one to two messages per day after the SIM registration was implemented.
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Meanwhile, he also mentioned that syndicates are utilizing other platforms for their scamming activities.
"Syndicates have shifted their focus away from using SIM cards for scams, and they are increasingly using messaging apps like WhatsApp and other social media applications for their fraudulent activities," he said
Moreover, Uy urged the public to avoid answering calls from unknown numbers in order to prevent scamming incidents.
"The most important thing is that if someone calls or texts you from an unknown number without a name or any other information, and if it's not in your contacts, it's better not to answer," Uy said.
"If you know the person, they will usually send a text message explaining why you didn't answer if you choose not to pick up their call," he added.