Last Updated on September 19, 2023
A youth has been detained in Kathmandu on allegations of misusing SIM card duplication and misusing mobile banking services for financial benefit. Saroj Diwali aged 22, originally from Panchkhal Municipality, Kavrepalanchok currently living in Gokarneshwor-02, Nayapati, Kathmandu was apprehended on charges of transferring amount to his accounts misusing others’ SIM cards.
The youth was recently arrested by the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office.
According to Rabindra Regmi, Spokesman of the Office and Superintendent of Police, the accused Diwali used to create bank accounts using someone else’s phone number. Regmi added, “If the bank approves, a telecom operator would issue the SIM card with the concerning number to its customer.”
Did you know?: NTA Prohibits Using More than Two Mobile SIM Cards
What is SIM duplication?
Getting a new SIM card that has been originally registered in someone else’s name is called SIM duplication. It’s an unlawful transfer of SIM card ownership where the rightful owner has no knowledge of it.
SIM duplication for unlawful intentions happens when operators and financial institutions are both less inclined to make verifications for their customers while issuing their services. Or let’s say that there are still gaping holes in their regulations that need filling to discourage such criminal activities.
You may also want to read: Know what to do for the accounts linked with unused mobile number
Over Rs 6 lakhs transferred
As per police, Diwali gained access to the cloned SIM card’s legitimate owner. Afterward, he managed to transfer Rs 6 lakh, 2 thousand, and 548 via mobile banking apps and digital wallets.
The police informed that they will proceed with Diwali’s investigation to the district police complex in Teku where further legal process will take place.
Protect your phone number at all costs
Unfortunately, it’s not the first time that SIM card misuse has come to light with respect to criminal activities. This is one of the reasons, NTA has requested mobile customers to register SIM cards in their own name only. But the worst, it’s very possible and common these days. We repeatedly hear news of SIM card abuse these days.
SIM cards are increasingly used in almost every type of electronic service. Be it mobile banking services, digital wallets, social media accounts, and else. Rogue individuals may devise unique ways, to identify loopholes to gain access to the SIM number of their victims and take advantage.
Do read this: How to buy/replace an Ntc SIM card?
There are no definite ways to protect our mobile numbers from suspicious minds. However, such incidents indicate that we must stay alert and do our maximum within reach to discourage access to our personal assets.
Registration of your SIM card in your own name is vital
Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell both have different provisions for SIM reproduction. With authentic documents and some paperwork, customers can legitimately clone a SIM number. Especially, this is done in case an existing SIM card is lost or has gone missing. But we need to ensure that no other individual or group has access to our SIM card. Here, you can check to see if the SIM card you are using is registered in your name. Perhaps, a call to your own SIM number may help you confirm if someone is also using the same number. But sometimes, this can happen due to some technical glitch or a human error as well. In sum, it’s extremely vital your SIM SIM is registered in your own name, and you are its sole owner.
Getting a SIM card is too easy in Nepal however, you need to be careful after you start using it. Here are our top tips to consider while using a SIM card.
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