The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is looking into adding another layer to SIM (subscriber identity module) card registration as text scams continue to rise, the Inquirer reported Tuesday.
The commission is considering requiring individuals to register their SIM cards in person. Currently, registration can be completed online, with verification done through a selfie.
Republic Act No. 11934, or the SIM Card Registration Act, was enacted to curb cybercrimes, particularly scam texts and malware-laced links sent via mobile messages. However, scammers have found ways to bypass the registration process, offering cash to individuals willing to sell their identities.
The NTC said the current online registration system has been criticized as a factor contributing to the surge in text scams.
Telecommunications providers Smart and Globe have introduced their own measures to combat fraudulent messages.