Criminals exploit SIM card registration to steal data

In many tourist destinations, the purchase and registration of a new SIM card requires the presentation of a passport or national identity card. In search of fast and cheap access to the Internet, travelers buy local SIM cards from unreliable vendors or unauthorized establishments, and this poses a serious danger. They may become victims of scams or compromise their privacy.

 

The registration of newly purchased SIM cards is mandatory in several countries such as Thailand, France, Italy, Kenya, Morocco, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Australia, among others. People traveling to these places should be especially aware that when purchasing a physical SIM card they will have to provide an identity document, and this could compromise their privacy.

Passports and other identity documents contain very sensitive personal information, such as full name, date of birth, nationality, passport and personal identification number.

Scammers can use this information to access their victims' bank accounts, apply for credit, commit crimes using the name of the owner or simply sell data to third parties. In short, the simple registration of a SIM could end up in identity theft and other kinds of scams.

«There are vendors offering SIM cards that have already been registered. At first glance, it seems like a good and privacy-friendly option. Unfortunately, sometimes these SIM cards are already linked to another person, which is illegal, so the authorities may consider the buyer to have committed identity theft, says Vykintas Maknickas, CEO of Saily, a travel eSIM company.

 

HOW TO AVOID RISKS

To reduce risks related to SIM registration in some major tourist destinations, Maknickas advises these preventive measures:

Use eSIM-based mobile Internet service providers. Setting up and purchasing data plans from an eSIM provider for travel is a transparent and secure option. Some wireless service providers such as Saily also offer built-in anti-malware protection tools to guard against cyber threats.

Buy a SIM from authorized retailers. Always purchase SIM cards from mobile phone provider stores at airports, official outlets, operators or authorized vendors to ensure that the card is authentic, properly registered and compliant with the law.

Verify the registration process. The SIM card must be registered with the cardholder's name and proper identification. Moreover, the provider must confirm that the registration is complete and legal.

Monitor accounts. After registering a new SIM, it is advisable to monitor bank accounts and phone bills for any suspicious activity.

After registering a new SIM, it is advisable to monitor bank accounts and phone bills for any suspicious activity.

Monitor accounts.

After registering a new SIM, it is advisable to monitor bank accounts and phone bills for any suspicious activity.

Monitor accounts.