The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) suggested that the online registration of SIM cards be halted while the list of those registered has not been fixed and cleaned.
The agency suggested after discovering that even fake addresses, pictures and names of cartoon characters were getting through the register.
According to PAOCC executive director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, they confiscated a machine that can make 64 SIM cards in just three minutes.
The machine can even be bought online.
“Siguro po for the meantime — suggestion lang po ito sa amin — huwag muna natin gamitin iyong ating SIM registration, iyong mga bago lang na magpapa-rehistro,” the official said.
Cruz said that telecommunication companies (telcos) and authorities should carefully check the stated information of the registered SIM cards to eliminate fake information.
It is said that those behind giving false information in registering the SIM card should also be prosecuted.
“Habang nakatigil iyong pagrerehistro online ay salain na po nila. Kagaya ng sinabi ko physically, manually puwede nilang makita iyong mga dapat tanggalin at imbestigahan na iyong mga iyon,” the official said.
Cruz also suggested a department or executive order allowing telecommunication firms to cross-check IDs used for registration.
SIM registration accepts ID with cartoon picture
This Thursday, PAOCC showed reporters how SIM cards can be registered using the name and picture of a cartoon character with a fake address added.
Smart Communications Inc. announced that, “The entire cyber scam system must be put into light and not be obsessed or focused on certain parts — instead all stakeholders should work on a holistic solution.”
“SIM cards are largely imported and are used in other IT devices, i.e. bank cards; aside from cellphones. It’s not in the production or importation but in the misuse by unscrupulous elements,” it added.
Globe Telecoms previously said that they do not sell pre-registered SIMS. However, it is said that the address can be edited after registration, but not the name.
The Senate investigated this due to the continued transmission of text scam messages even after completing the SIM card registration.
SIM card registration was made law to stop crime, including text fraud.
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