The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is implementing new measures following instructions from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) last month to curb fraud linked to fake SIM cards. The government is set to enforce stricter rules to prevent mobile connection misuse, particularly in financial scams and cybercrime. Telecom operators have been directed to implement the Digital Integrated Verification System, ensuring stronger verification processes for issuing new SIM cards.
Mandatory Aadhaar Verification for SIM Cards
Previously, consumers could obtain a mobile connection using documents like voter ID, driving license, or passport. However, under the new rules, SIM cards will only be issued after Aadhaar-based KYC and PoS (Point of Sale) verification. Biometric authentication will be mandatory for obtaining a SIM through Aadhaar, and retailers will no longer be allowed to sell SIM cards without completing this verification process.
Additionally, telecom providers will track the number of active SIM cards registered under a customer’s name. If multiple SIM cards are issued under different names but linked to the same person, it will trigger an investigation. Moreover, customers will be required to provide photographs from 10 different angles as an additional security measure.
Decision Following PMO’s Review Meeting
The PMO conducted a review meeting with telecom sector officials last month, where the misuse of fake SIM cards in financial scams was a key issue. Investigations revealed instances of multiple SIM cards being linked to a single device, violating telecom regulations and facilitating cybercrime.
Following this, the PMO directed DoT to collaborate with law enforcement agencies and use AI tools to identify fraudsters and penalize those involved. This crackdown includes strict action against retailers selling SIM cards using fake documents.
New Regulations for SIM Card Dealers
To further regulate SIM sales, the government made retailer registration mandatory in August 2023. Now, starting April 1, 2025, only those Point of Sale (PoS) outlets registered under DoT’s guidelines of August 31, 2023, will be allowed to sell new SIM cards. This move aims to eliminate unauthorized sales and curb fraudulent SIM card issuance.
