Government to clamp down on SIM card fraudsters

The Government, in collaboration with Mobile Network Operators and National Communication Authority, would soon intensify efforts to weed out SIM card fraudsters from the system.

It, therefore, cautioned actors within the SIM registration value chain to comply with the SIM registration and activation processes in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions.

Mr Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, the Information Minister, who announced this at a media briefing, in Accra, on Sunday, said the Government, through the Ministry of Communications, had taken note of a number of deficiencies with the existing SIM card registration regime in the country.

The Minister outlined major deficiencies such as the sale of pre-registered SIM cards, use of pre-registered SIM cards and the use of fraudulently registered SIM cards, paving way for perpetuation of fraudulent activities through the use of mobile phone services.

He mentioned mobile money fraud, illegal SIM swap, termination of international traffic calls (SIM Boxing) leading to loss of revenue to the state, impersonation and cybercrime.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah said with government’s commitment to migrate towards a formalised digital economy as part of the Digital Ghana Agenda, it was important for the communication industry to ensure the integrity of an integrated database and system.

This, he said, would build security, trust and confidence for the use of digital services to transform the economy and accelerate economic growth and development.

While government partnered the relevant institutions for the complete rollout of the National Identification cards for SIM registration, the Minister said the National Communication Authority would ensure strict compliance with the law and engage mobile network operators as well as all relevant stakeholders to address the deficiencies.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah gave the assurance that government was committed towards building a strong, secure and resilient communication industry for the benefit of the citizenry and “we, therefore, encouraging all subscribers to verify the authenticity of their SIM registration by dialling *400# on any network”.

The Minister urged persons who have relevant information on the aforementioned subject matter to dial toll-free number (0800110622) and (0307011419) hotline and provide information to the authorities concerned for redress.