ACG warns vs selling registered SIM cards

MANILA, Philippines — Owners of registered SIM cards should not sell them to other people as they might end up facing criminal cases, the police Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) warned the public on Friday.

The ACG issued the warning after a Taiwanese man and his two cohorts were arrested in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan on June 14 for selling registered SIM cards.

ACG director Brig. Gen. Sidney Hernia said those who sell their SIM cards could be charged with violating Republic Act 8484 or the Access Devices Regulation Act and RA 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

“Regardless of whether you are directly involved in the subsequent fraudulent activities or not, you can still be held liable for providing the means for these criminals to commit their offenses,” Hernia said in a statement.

Hernia said people driven by the need for money unknowingly provide a valuable tool to scammers.

“These scammers exploit the financial needs of individuals who sell their registered SIM cards, without fully understanding the implications attached to such transactions,” he said.