Cracking Down on Telecom Fraud: SIM Dealers Now Require Mandatory Police Verification and KYC

 

NEW DELHI: In a resolute endeavor to clamp down on fraudulent practices related to mobile SIM cards, the Narendra Modi government has instituted fresh regulations aimed at reinforcing security measures. These regulations mandate police verification for SIM card dealers and impose a prohibition on bulk connections. The strategic shift is part of a comprehensive initiative to bolster cybersecurity and curtail the misuse of mobile numbers tethered to falsified documentation.

Compulsory Police and Biometric Authentication for SIM Dealers

The announcement of these novel measures was made by Union Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during a press briefing on Thursday. The revamped guidelines delineate that all aspiring mobile SIM card dealers must undergo mandatory police verification and biometric authentication before being granted authorization. Additionally, the mandate encompasses the necessity for registration among all point-of-sale dealers, thereby ensuring a more stringent screening process for those engaged in the distribution of SIM cards.

Minister Vaishnaw underscored the severity of consequences for any infringement of these regulations, stating that a substantial penalty of ₹10 lakh (approximately $13,500) will be levied upon individuals or entities found contravening these norms. This stringent approach is intended to serve as a deterrent against any attempts to circumvent the verification procedures or indulge in deceptive activities.

Also Read: Cybercrime in Nagpur - Cyber Blackmailer Couple Arrested in Pune for Extorting Money

In essence, this assertive step heralds a new era of vigilance in the realm of mobile SIM card operations, underscoring the government's unwavering commitment to fortifying security and upholding the integrity of mobile communication systems.



Crackdown on Illicit Linkages

The government's initiative, the Sanchar Saathi portal, has demonstrated its effectiveness in identifying and nullifying connections that were illicitly acquired. Since its launch, an astounding 5.2 million connections have been deactivated. Furthermore, the government has taken stringent action by blacklisting 67,000 dealers implicated in the unauthorized dissemination of mobile SIM cards.

The campaign against fraudulent endeavors transcends deactivation and blacklisting. The government has taken legal action by filing 300 First Information Reports (FIRs) against SIM card dealers since May 2023, marking a resolute stance against those seeking to undermine the newly established regulations.

Termination of Bulk Connections

Minister Vaishnaw accentuated a significant transformation in the provision of SIM cards. In the past, the procurement of SIM cards in bulk was permitted, a practice susceptible to misuse for fraudulent purposes. Addressing this concern, the government has decided to halt the offering of bulk connections. Instead, a novel concept of business connections will be introduced, poised to grant greater control over the distribution process and thwart deceitful communication attempts.

Also Read: Kashmiri Brother-in-Law could not show Kamal, and pressure on Nagpur police failed

Punjab Police's Vigilant Endeavors

The necessity for these stringent protocols was vividly emphasized by a recent incident within Punjab. Collaborating with the Department of Telecom, Punjab Police's Internal Security wing orchestrated a robust crackdown on distributors and agents implicated in dispensing SIM cards through counterfeit identities. A staggering count of 180,000 SIM cards, purportedly activated through false credentials, were rendered inoperable, and the operation led to the apprehension of 17 individuals.

The Punjab Police disclosed that a notable array of cybercrimes and activities labeled as 'anti-national' were facilitated through mobile numbers linked to fabricated documents, thereby amplifying the urgency for elevated verification procedures.

In tandem, the Narendra Modi government's directive mandating police verification for SIM dealers and discontinuing bulk connections stands as a testament to their dedication in bolstering cybersecurity and curbing deceptive practices. Through the implementation of more stringent protocols for the acquisition and distribution of mobile SIM cards, the government envisions a fortified telecommunications milieu, deterring any proclivity towards unauthorized or criminal conduct. In an ever-evolving digital landscape, these endeavors are pivotal in safeguarding the authenticity of mobile communications and championing the well-being of both citizens and enterprises.

Source: https://www.the420.in/government-mandates-police-verification-kyc-sim-dealers/



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