Cybercrime unit warns public against SIM registration shortcuts

Cybercrime unit warns public against SIM registration shortcuts


Amid the rise of dubious social media accounts, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) on Tuesday, Dec. 17, reminded the public that there is no “shortcut or seamless way” to complete SIM registration.

(Pixabay Jonas Leupe Unsplash).jpeg
Pixabay / Unsplash

“The SIM registration process is not complicated, and there is no need to hire a third party to do it for you,” said CICC Executive Director Alexander K. Ramos in a statement. “Do not be deceived by those offering to register your SIM,” he added.

The CICC issued this reminder as the country marks the second anniversary of the implementation of Republic Act No. 11934, or the SIM Registration Act.

RA 11934, signed into law by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Oct. 10, 2022, took effect on Dec. 27, 2022. The law aims to promote responsible SIM use and provides law enforcement agencies with tools to resolve crimes involving its misuse while deterring other offenses.

Ramos issued the advisory in light of the proliferation of fraudulent social media accounts offering SIM card registration services for all networks at minimal fees.

He also reminded the public that SIM card users are required to personally register with their respective networks, presenting a government-issued ID and a selfie as part of the process.

Ramos warned that third parties offering SIM registration services “might use the information for other purposes.”

As of July 30, 2023, the CICC reported that 113,969,014 SIMs had been registered out of the 168,016,400 SIM cards in circulation.

For those with questions or issues related to SIM registration, the Inter-Agency Response Center hotline 1326 is available 24/7.