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NPC warns against ‘registered SIM for sale’
NPC told citizens to be vigilant and cautious of unsolicited offers to purchase their registered SIM cards by scrutinizing the intentions behind such offers and verifying the credibility of the individuals making them.
The modus operandi of selling registered subscriber identity modules or SIM cards has alarmed the National Privacy Commission, prompting it to caution mobile users on the consequences.
"Recent developments have drawn our attention to alarming instances wherein certain individuals, ostensibly acting as agents of malevolent entities, are enticing unsuspecting individuals with monetary offers (averaging P1,000) in exchange for SIM cards that have been registered. This practice is not only prohibited under the SIM Registration Act 11934 but it also places data subjects in a vulnerable position, exposing them to potential legal repercussions, risks, and harm if a SIM card, registered in their name, is misused for illicit activities," according to the advisory released by the NPC on Thursday.
With this, the NPC advised the public to consider some steps, which include educating themselves about the legal and privacy implications of registering and selling SIM cards, adding that citizens should familiarize themselves with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and its provisions.
Also, the NPC told citizens to be vigilant and cautious of unsolicited offers to purchase their registered SIM cards by scrutinizing the intentions behind such offers and verifying the credibility of the individuals making them.
"Report Suspicious Activities: If you are approached with offers to sell your registered SIM card, report such incidents to your telecommunications service provider. Timely reporting can help prevent potential misuse of your personal data. Reporting Change of Information with the Telecommunications Companies: Promptly report any changes in the information of the subscriber (end-user) so that the telcos can update their database in accordance with the SIM Registration Act," the NPC advised.
"Identity Verification or before transferring ownership of a SIM card, ensure that proper identity verification procedures are followed. This can help prevent unauthorized transfers; and legal compliance that if you decide to sell or transfer a registered SIM card, adhere to the legal requirements for reporting such transactions as required under the SIM Registration Act," the NPC further stated in its advisory.