NCC noted that the use of pre-registered SIM cards could compromise the accuracy of consumer information.
By Saidu Idris
365Daily – The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged Nigerians to be wary of pre-registered SIM cards as it could link the user to crime and other unfortunate consequences.
In a post on its platform on Friday, May 17, 2024, the NCC noted that the use of pre-registered SIM cards could compromise the accuracy of consumer information and pose a great threat to security of the country.
It stated: “Buying pre-registered SIM cards is criminal and may lead to imprisonment, implication in identity theft, financial fraud, kidnapping and armed robbery.”
It further explained that using a pre-registered SIM card undermines the reliability of data collected on consumers, making it challenging for authorities to identify and apprehend the actual perpetrators of crimes.
The commission therefore urged the general public to follow proper procedures for registering SIM cards to avoid any legal consequences.
Recall that in a bid to streamline the identification process and combat fraudulent activities, telecommunications companies directed their subscribers to compulsorily link their SIM cards to their National Identification Numbers (NIN) in December 2020.