Scammers Can Register SIM Cards Using Cartoon and Anime Characters, IT Expert Reveals
In a press conference held by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) on Thursday, Information Technology expert Mike Santos demonstrated how scammers could register SIM cards using the identities of cartoon and anime characters.
Santos used a GSM modem and an unnamed software to register a Globe SIM card under the identity of Bart Simpson from “The Simpsons” and a Smart SIM card under the identity of Monkey D. Luffy from “One Piece” in less than three minutes each.
PAOCC Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said that this is the reason why there are so many pre-registered SIM cards being sold by independent contractors and others affiliated with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Cruz suggested that telecommunications companies implement manual verification of applicants’ identities to prevent SIM card registration under fake identities. He said that this could be done by scanning identification cards or the pictures or selfies of applicants.
The revelation that scammers can register SIM cards using cartoon and anime characters is a serious concern. It shows that telecommunications companies need to do more to verify the identities of their customers. The PAOCC’s efforts to develop new measures to combat SIM card registration fraud are a welcome step, but more needs to be done to protect Filipinos from online scams and trafficking.
