No ‘shortcuts’ to SIM registration, reminds CICC as scams rise

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) warns that there are no shortcuts to the official SIM registration process.

This reminder comes as the Philippines marks the second anniversary of Republic Act No. 11934 or the “SIM Registration Act.”

READ: Report cybercrimes to IARC hotline 1326

Meanwhile, more dubious social media accounts claim to provide SIM card registration services for a minimal fee, regardless of network.

One social media account named DITO Telecommunity tried to attract customers with the tagline: 

“SIM card registration available po. PM lang po sa gustong magregister diyan. All network po.” 

(SIM registration available. Send a private message if you’d like to register. It’s for all networks.)

DITO Telecommunity Corporation has disowned this social media page and claimed it has not authorized this practice. 

“We’re the strictest among the three on SIM registration,” DITO said, in response to CICC’s queries.

CICC Executive Director Alexander Ramos reminds the public that SIM card users must register with their respective networks. 

Moreover, they must provide government-issued identification cards and selfies. 

“The SIM registration process is not that complicated, and there is no need to hire a third party to do it for you.” 

“Do not be deceived by those offering to register your SIM,” Ramos added.

The CICC Executive Director warned unofficial parties offering SIM registration services might use their personal information for other purposes. 

On October 10, 2022, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. enacted RA 11934 to promote the responsible use of SIM cards. 

It took effect on December 27, 2022, providing “enforcement agencies the tools to resolve crimes which involve its utilization and a platform to deter the commission of wrongdoings.” 

As of July 30, 2023, the Philippines has registered 113,969,014 SIM cards out of the 168,016,400 in circulation.

If you’d like to know more about SIM registration, call the Inter-Agency Response Center hotline at 1326. It operates 24/7, from Mondays to Sundays, including holidays.