this is why you MUST NOT buy anything from hand phone shops all over the island. Register a line only at OFFICAL TELCO SHOP

[firehyrant]

Police Arrest 4 Men For Suspected Fraudulent Registration Of Postpaid SIM Cards Using Others' Particulars


The Singapore Police Force (SPF) arrested four men aged between 25 and 44 during a two-day islandwide operation on 12 and 13 Oct 2023.
They are suspected of accessing computer systems containing registration information for postpaid SIM cards, then pre-registering postpaid SIM cards using that information.
Another six men and three women, aged between 23 and 57, are assisting with investigations, police said in a statement.

The retailers would then sell these fraudulently registered SIM cards to customers who wish to conceal their identities.

Police conduct raids on handphone shops around Singapore over fraudulent SIM cards​

Police said officers from the Anti-Scam Command conducted simultaneous raids targeting eight handphone shops located at:

• Yishun
• Ang Mo Kio
• Woodlands
• Admiralty
• Beach Road
• Selegie Road
• Indus Road

They subsequently arrested the four men and took in the other nine individuals to assist in investigations.
“They had purportedly pre-registered postpaid SIM cards using particulars of others, such as their unsuspecting customers or foreigners, and sold them to customers who wanted to conceal their identities,” police said.
Police also seized an assortment of paraphernalia such as mobile phones and SIM cards during the operation.

Such SIM cards can be exploited as an anonymous channel of communication for unlicensed moneylending, scams, and vice, among other illicit activities, police noted.
Police added that scam syndicates also use these SIM cards to contact victims, as well as communicate among themselves to evade detection.

Offences carry fine of up to S$10,000 and up to 3 years’ jail each​

“The offence of unauthorised modification of computer material under Section 5(1) of the Computer Misuse Act 1993 carries a fine of up to S$10,000, an imprisonment term not exceeding three years, or both,” police said.

Meanwhile, the offence of illegally obtaining personal information under Section 416A of the Penal Code 1871 carries a fine of up to S$10,000, an imprisonment term not exceeding three years, or both.
Police said it takes a serious stance against any person who engages in illegal acts and will continue to clamp down on errant handphone shop retailers who may be indirectly facilitating illegal activities.
Those involved in such illegal activities will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Investigations are ongoing.

 

[Piersqsw]

It’s concerning to hear about this scam involving fraudulent SIM card registrations.

The idea that individuals are misusing personal details to pre-register postpaid SIM cards is alarming. It’s great that the Singapore Police Force is taking action with these raids to curb such illegal activities. These SIM cards can be used for various illicit purposes, including scams and other crimes, so authorities must stay vigilant.

 

[jymifalcon]

Buying from handphone shops can be a hit or miss. I had a rough patch with one of those shops, and dealing with issues was a hassle. Registering a line at an official telco shop is the way to peace of mind. You get proper service and support if anything goes wrong. I’ve had good experiences with places like Sims Direct—they handle things smoothly and professionally. It’s worth sticking with the official channels to avoid any headaches.

 

[Betsycrant]

That's quite a serious issue with those fraudulent SIM cards. It’s unsettling to think about how these cards can be misused. I recently had a smooth experience with a SIM card from https://internationalsimcard.com.au/ for a trip abroad. It was simple to set up and really convenient while we were exploring. It’s a good reminder of how important it is to get SIM cards from reliable sources. Ensuring that you're using legitimate and verified services helps avoid potential complications and keeps your information secure.