Public warned vs. scammers offering aid in SIM sign-up

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) warned the public against scammers offering aid in the registration of the SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) of their mobile phones.

According to Ian Cruz’s “24 Oras” report on Friday, several individuals were offering assistance in exchange for money for registering one's SIM.

“Kasi 'pag nagbigay po tayo ng information doon makikita nila yung name, address mo, pati yung ID na iprepresenta mo ay baka po magamit nila sa kung saan saan na hindi maganda po,” NTC deputy commissioner John Paolo Salvahan said.

“Hindi natin sila ine-encourage because under the law SIM registration is free,” Imelda Walcien, NTC regulation division director, said.

The NTC said it will instruct telecommunications firms to conduct text blast to warn subscribers regarding the matter.

Smart Communications said it launched touch points in the different parts of the country to provide assistance to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and residents in farthest areas.

“Libre po ang pagregister at libre rin ang tulong na ibinibigay ng Smart, ng Smart stores, ng mga booth at touch points,” Cathy Yang, first vice president and corporate communications group head of Smart/PLDT, said.

Globe, meanwhile, released instructional video on how to register SIM.

“Search niyo lang ang YouTube, simple registration maraming pong vloggers dyan na readily mag-aassist sa registration, ituturo kung paano magregister, maliban pa sa aming mga materials sa aming kanya-kanyang website,” Ariel Tubayan, Globe Telecom policy division head, said.

DITO Telecommunity Corporation expressed confidence in its system of registration.

“We are app-based so that is why because it is a unique security feature, you don’t need to go outside of that system,” Adel Tamano, chief administrative officer of DITO Telecommunity, said.

The NTC said Friday over 14 million SIMs have been registered with their respective service providers as of January 4, 2023, over a week since the registration process began late last month.

This comprises eight percent of the more than 168 million active SIM cards of the telcos.

The NTC reminded the public that the SIM registration will be until April 25, 2023.

The commission said it also coordinated with its regional offices to know the  areas in need of assistance.

“We are looking at the challenges with regard to security and accessibility,” deputy commissioner Ella Blanca, NTC officer-in-charge, said.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA Integrated News