Smart Communications has implemented stricter verification processes and adopted more advanced technology to combat fraudulent SIM card registration.
The telecommunications company is particularly focused on preventing the use of fake IDs and photos during the registration process.
“Smart assures customers that we are continuously enhancing our network infrastructure to reject fraudulent SIM registration as we intensify our efforts against mobile technology-aided criminal activities,” Roy Ibay, vice president and head of regulatory affairs at Smart, said.
In December 2023, and in compliance with the National Telecommunications Commission’s directive, Smart rolled out enhanced verification mechanisms, including the adoption of “live selfie” and liveness checks, the disabling of the upload of stock selfies, and verification of registrations prior to activation.
Complementing the improved SIM registration controls is Smart’s new network firewall that blocks malicious links often found in unsolicited text messages.
In August alone, Smart has prevented nearly 200 million SMShing messages from reaching customers.
Smart has also blocked more than 770,000 mobile numbers tied to phishing and other illegal activities in the first seven months of the year.
“Smart fully supports the government’s effort to protect Filipinos from being scammed. We actively collaborate with relevant agencies, our peers and partners in the industry, as well as our customers in fighting fraud and other phishing activities,” Ibay said.
PLDT and Smart have also engaged their provincial distributors, regional dealers and other trade partners to ensure the security and integrity of the sale and distribution process of Smart SIMs.
