New Tool Allows Singaporeans to Check Registered Postpaid SIM Cards Under their Names

Mobile phone users in Singapore can now utilise a new tool to check how many postpaid SIM cards are registered under their names. This initiative, named SIMCardHowMany, aims to address the use of "mule" lines by scam syndicates for establishing bank accounts and facilitating illicit fund transfers. The Infocomm Media Development Authority, IMDA, and the Government Technology Agency of Singapore, GovTech, collaborated on the development and launch of this system.

SIM Cards

SIMCardHowMany is presently under development. Individuals wishing to use the service must complete a digital form, providing their name and NRIC information, which is retrieved securely via Singpass. They then input their email address, confirming it with a six-digit verification code before receiving an email detailing all phone numbers linked to their name.

This self-help checker forms part of a broader series of anti-scam measures introduced by IMDA and local telecommunication providers. And it directly complements a new regulation capping individuals at a maximum of ten postpaid SIM cards across all networks, a limit which took effect in late Feb. An IMDA spokesperson, speaking to The Straits Times, affirmed the tool's role in protecting the public from fraudulent schemes.

The cap on postpaid SIM cards was previously announced in January. Authorities stated that the objective is to reduce the unlawful acquisition and usage of SIM cards, while still accommodating legitimate requirements for multiple lines, such as those used by families or for professional operations. This limit represents a reduction from an earlier policy that allowed each mobile phone user to register up to ten postpaid SIM cards per individual telco.

Prepaid cards, those designated solely for data, corporate individual scheme arrangements, and mobile numbers under a family plan registered to another member, are not included in the SIM card verification check. IMDA has indicated it will consider public feedback to evaluate the system's effectiveness. The organisation also confirmed its ongoing collaboration with the police and other government bodies to devise further anti-scam initiatives.

Users who identify any inconsistencies or suspect that postpaid SIM cards have been registered under their name without authorisation are advised to report these matters to their respective telcos. They should also utilise the ScamShield application. This app was developed collaboratively by the police, the National Crime Prevention Council, and Open Government Products.

ScamShield functions by filtering out fraudulent messages and calls, relying on numbers that have been reported by users and subsequently reviewed by authorities. But it also employs artificial intelligence to detect words commonly associated with scam-related texts, enhancing its ability to identify suspicious communications. The app aims to provide a layer of digital defence for mobile users.

Measures designed to restrict SIM card misuse have been in place for some time. In April 2014, the maximum number of prepaid SIM cards customers could register across all telcos was reduced from ten to three. Subsequent alterations saw authorities impose a limit of ten postpaid SIM cards per telco for each mobile phone user in April last year, replacing a prior policy of unlimited registrations.

Despite these previous restrictions, authorities observed a continued increase in SIM card 'mules' purchasing postpaid SIM cards in bulk from various retailers. These individuals would then supply the acquired SIM cards to criminal groups or scammers for illegal financial gain. Since Oct. last year, individuals warned, prosecuted, convicted, or under investigation for mule-related offences face restrictions on registering new phone lines and accessing banking or national authentication services.

This framework has led to the restriction of 550 money mules, 801 SIM card mules, and 51 corporate entities. So, police caution the public against allowing any third party to use their banking facilities for fund transfers, provide access to their Singpass credentials, or supply them with local SIM cards. They further advised vigilance to avoid unwitting participation in criminal activities, which syndicates often perpetuate through local agents.

• Singapore has launched SIMCardHowMany, a new tool for users to check postpaid SIM cards registered under their name.

• The system, developed by IMDA and GovTech, aims to curb illicit SIM card use by scam syndicates.

• This measure accompanies a new limit of ten postpaid SIM cards per person across all telcos, effective late Feb.

• Users can report discrepancies to telcos and the ScamShield app, which filters scam communications using reported numbers and artificial intelligence.

• Authorities have imposed restrictions on individuals involved in 'mule' activities, affecting registration of new phone lines and access to banking services.

Source: The Straits Times