LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)-Region 1 reiterated that SIM card registration is free and warned users to avoid scams by paying for SIM registration.

Although no cases have been reported of this scam in the region, Atty. Ana Minelle Maningding, NTC legal officer, advised the public that if they need assistance in SIM registration, they should seek help from their telecommunications companies, instead of availing paid SIM registration assistance offered on the internet.

She said this can lead to stolen personal data which can be used on different scams or identity theft.

“We understand na sa mga hindi masyado tech-oriented, kailangan talaga nila ng assistance sa SIM registration. If that’s the case, pumunta na lamang sa mga authorized na telco companies nila para matulungan sila ng libre. Huwag tumangkilik sa mga nag-aalok ng SIM registration assistance na may bayad o sa hindi nila kakilala,” she said.

The legal officer also noted that because most users who need assistance in SIM registration are from the older age group, they are more vulnerable to these types of scams.

“We encourage everyone to use legitimate links or QR codes sa pagpaparegister ng SIM card, huwag na tayong magparegister sa mga nag-aalok online, magpatulong na lang tayo sa mga kapamilya o kaibigan natin, o mas maganda sa mga telco companies para safe,” Maningding said.

She added that users should make sure that their personal information, especially from their ID, is deleted from the telecom representative assisting them in SIM registration.

“Rest assured na ang mga information sa SIM registration ay hindi basta basta maa-access, hindi basta-basta maitatanong ng isang tao kung sino o kanino ba ang number na ito. Dadaan sa legal process bago malaman ang owner ng SIM number,” she assured.

To register, an individual must provide a valid ID to register and input their basic personal details like full name, birth date, sex, address, phone number, and nationality.

As per Republic Act No. 11934 or the SIM Card Registration Act, all Globe, Smart, and DITO SIM users have until April 26, 2023 to register their SIM cards to prevent deactivation. (JCR/AMB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)