Gov’t urged to update SIM Registration Act vs new forms of online fraud, text scams

The government should review and update Republic Act 11934 or the SIM Registration Act to counter new forms of online fraud and text scams, a digital advocate group said Wednesday.

In a statement, Digital Pinoys said scammers now use over-the-top apps such as Telegram, Viber, Messenger, and Signal for fraudulent schemes.

"In the end, law enforcement agencies should be well-equipped and be able to do their job with regard to SIM-based offenders because even if the law is strong, but without proper enforcement, it will be nothing,” Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo said.

Citing data from the Philippine National Police, cybercrime increased by 21.8% in the first quarter of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

Meanwhile, DICT Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Renato ‘Aboy’ Paraiso said scammers use Viber and Messenger and foreign SIMs to engage in crimes.

"While it may not be covered by the SIM registration law, the government should prepare so that it will be addressed before it becomes a full-blown crisis like spam and scam texts all over again,” Gustilo said.

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center earlier warned of a new wave of text scams where a person will receive "warnings" that their card is being used, or fake messages from the MMDA.

Once the link is clicked, the syndicate may acquire the victim’s name, bank or credit card number account number, and other personal details.

Senator Win Gatchalian earlier said it is considering introducing amendments to the SIM Registration Act amid the widespread use of SIM cards for fraud and scamming.

Meanwhile, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) admitted that the SIM Registration Law is not a “silver bullet” against text scams as it continues to face several challenges in its implementation.   —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News