By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz

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MANILA – The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) warned the public on Tuesday against using paid subscriber identity module (SIM) registration services found on social media.

In a statement, CICC Executive Director Alexander Ramos said there is a proliferation of “dubious social media accounts” that offer SIM registration services for a minimal fee.

He said third parties offering such services might use personal information for other purposes.

“The SIM registration process is not that complicated and there is no need to hire a third party to do it for you. Do not be deceived by those offering to register your SIM,” Ramos said.

He reminded mobile users to register their SIM cards personally with their networks, which require government-issued identification and selfie.

One social media page offering a paid SIM registration service was named “DITO Telecommunity Corporation.”

However, mobile service provider DITO disowned the social media account.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act 11934 or the SIM Registration Act on Oct. 10, 2022. It took effect on Dec. 27, 2022.

As of July 30, 2023, there are 113,969,014 SIM cards registered out of the 168,016,400 in circulation. (PNA)