Say “No” to Illegal SIMs!

1.     Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in collaboration with Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) has introduced Multi Random Finger Biometric Verification System (MBVS) to carry out following transactions after online verification from NADRA:

• Buy/Activate a new SIM
• Get a Duplicate SIM
• Change of Ownership of a SIM
• Mobile Number Portability (MNP)
• Re-verification of SIM
• Disowning of SIM

The Danger of Illegal SIMs Registered in Your Name

2.     Illegal SIM cards are those that have been obtained using fraudulent or illegal means, such as using false identity documents or stolen personal information. If such a SIM card is registered in your name without your knowledge or consent, it can pose several dangers, including:

• Criminal Activity: Criminals can use illegal SIM cards to carry out fraudulent activities such as identity theft, cybercrime, and financial fraud. If the SIM card is registered in your name, you could be falsely implicated in such criminal activity.
• Harassment: If the illegal SIM card is used to harass or threaten others, you could be held responsible for such behavior, and you could face legal consequences.
• Financial Loss: If the illegal SIM card is used to make fraudulent transactions or purchases, you could be held liable for the financial loss.
• Compromised Privacy: The use of an illegal SIM card can also compromise your privacy, as your personal information and contacts can be accessed by the person using the SIM card.
• National Security: Illegal SIM cards can also be used by terrorists or other criminal organizations to plan and execute illegal activities, which can pose a threat to national security.

3.     In summary, having an illegal SIM card registered in your name can pose serious dangers, both legal and personal. It's important to ensure that all SIM cards registered in your name are obtained through legal means and that you take certain steps to protect your personal information from identity theft and fraud.

Steps to Ensure Safety

4.     To ensure your safety and avoid registration of illegal SIM against your credentials, please follow these simple steps:

• Only Visit an authorized MBVS Enabled Sale Outlet for above Transactions. Authorized sales outlets include Customer Service Centers (CSC), Franchisees & Registered Retailers having a MBVS Device and an authorization (Card/Letter).
• Go through the Terms & Conditions for Purchase of SIM Displayed at the Sale Channel. The same is also available at Customer Service Centers (CSC) and Franchisees.
• Provide Valid Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) Number to Sale Agent
• Provide Thumb / Finger Impressions on BVS Scanner for Verification from NADRA. A maximum of two successful thumb/finger impressions are required.
• Fraudsters also use a technique to get your finger prints on different machines or even on simple paper in the garb of government officials of different support schemes. Therefore, it should be ensured that finger prints are applied on machines only to trusted parties and no finger prints are given in paper at all.
• In Case of Successful Verification, SIM Shall be Activated & Handed-over to You
• In Case of Un-Successful Verification, Sale Agent Shall Inform the Reason and Provide Further Guidance
• Make Sure to Collect Your SIM after Biometric Verification. In Case the Sale Agent does not Handover the SIM, please lodge your complaint with following Information to PTA:
  • CNIC Number
  • Date of Visit
  • Company Whose Sale Channel was Visited
  • Name & Address of Sale Channel
• Old Age Individuals and Persons with Amputation, whose biometric verification is not possible, can get SIMs from Customer Service Centers (CSCs) and Selected Franchisees after Verification through Administrative Means
• No Prize/Gift Scheme Requires Biometric Verification. Lately, certain Gangs have been Caught seeking Thumb/Finger impressions from general public in the garb of membership/BISP or meager financial incentives like free items/gifts.
• Be Extra Careful while Giving your Thumb/Finger Impressions. Some Fraudsters May Use the Information to Activate SIM/WLL Connection on Your CNIC without Your Consent Which may be used in Illegal Activities.

Who are More likely to be Affected

5.     As per analysis, almost 85% SIMs used in fraud cases belong to females. Therefore, it can be safely concluded that identity information of females is more likely to be used for issuance of illegal SIMs.

How to Check SIMs Count Registered in Your Name

• Keep on checking SIM count status against your CNIC with regulator intervals through:

• Visiting Website: https://www.cnic.sims.pk OR
• Mobile: by sending CNIC Number (without dashes) to short code 668.

How to Report

• In case of any mismatch or complain, lodge complaint to PTA by following means:
  • Online Complaint Form (https://complaint.pta.gov.pk/RegisterComplaint.aspx)
  • PTA CMS Mobile App (Android/iOS)
  • PTA’s Toll Free Number 0800-55055
• The check should be applied especially for those elderly females who are not aware of above process, even if they do not use a mobile phone at all.