Centre Makes Police Verification of SIM Dealers Mandatory to Curb Frauds

New Delhi: In a significant move to counter fraudulent activities, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the government’s decision to enforce police verification for SIM card dealers and halt the provision of bulk connections. The step aims to strengthen security measures in the telecom sector.

As part of this initiative, the government has already disconnected a staggering 52 lakh mobile connections. Moreover, stern action has been taken against unscrupulous dealers, with 67,000 of them being blacklisted. Notably, over 300 FIRs have been lodged against SIM card dealers since May 2023.

Addressing the prevalence of online fraud, Minister Vaishnaw highlighted the proactive approach taken by WhatsApp. The platform independently blocked approximately 66,000 accounts implicated in fraudulent activities.

To ensure compliance, the government has imposed a penalty of Rs 10 lakh on dealers found violating the prescribed norms. With approximately 10 lakh SIM dealers in the country, the authorities plan to grant them ample time for completing the mandatory police verification process.

The Department of Telecommunications has introduced a novel approach by discontinuing bulk connections. Instead, a fresh concept of business connections will be introduced. This move aligns with the broader strategy of enhancing Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols. This will encompass not only businesses but also individuals receiving SIM card handovers.