Don't buy pre-registered SIMs, NCC warns Nigerians

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has restated its warning to Nigerians not to buy pre-registered SIMs because of associated risks.

The NCC, on social media platforms, issue the warning to citizens about the significant risks associated with buying pre-registered SIM cards, including identity theft, financial fraud, and criminal activity.

The commission urged Nigerians to prioritize their safety by avoiding these illicitly sold SIM cards.

It highlighted the importance of purchasing SIM cards through official channels to ensure proper registration and traceability, thereby protecting users from falling victim to various cybercrimes and maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s telecommunications system.

The Commission underscored the gravity of the illegal practice, warning that it could result in dire consequences, potentially culminating in imprisonment.

It warned that individuals using these SIM cards could unknowingly find themselves entangled in serious criminal activities, including identity theft, financial fraud, kidnapping, and armed robbery.

Similarly, the NCC highlighted that pre-registered SIM cards undermine the reliability of consumer data and impede law enforcement’s ability to trace criminal activities efficiently.

The use of these SIM cards significantly compromises the reliability of consumer data, it stated, adding that this makes it difficult for authorities to accurately trace and capture the real criminals behind various offenses.

It should be noted that the NCC has mounted a campaign on a mission alerting the public about the dangers of using pre-registered SIM cards.

Their goal is to raise awareness and promote adherence to legal regulations to bolster national security. By shedding light on the potential risks, the NCC hopes to foster a culture of compliance that will help protect the nation from security threats.