GCash Chief Reminds Users About Scam Links on SIM Card Registration, Assures Users’ Funds Will Remain Safe

Editing and Additional Reporting by Nathaniel Cajuday

• GCash has warned its users about scams related to the SIM Card Registration Act, which requires all Filipinos to register their SIM card numbers for the next 180 days.
• The firm has advised users not to click on any links related to SIM card registration and to check the official channels of their telco providers for information on how to register.
• GCash has assured its customers that their funds and accounts will remain safe during the SIM card registration process.

Following the implementation of the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card Registration Act, which requires all Filipinos to register their SIM card numbers under their names for the next 180 days, fintech firm Gcash issued a warning to its users about scams that pose as links amidst mass SIM card registration. 

“We would like to reiterate our warnings to our users that GCash will never send links via SMS, email, and messaging apps. We have been receiving reports that some telco subscribers are getting messages that their accounts have been restricted if they don’t pre-register their SIM card,” Winsley Bangit, chief customer officer of GCash, said in an advisory.

Last October, GCash also removed all the links from its SMS and email messages and moved its transaction confirmation messages to its in-app inbox to combat scammers and fraudsters. (Read more:  GCash Moves Transaction Confirmation Messages to App Inbox, To Remove Links on, Emails, SMS)

“Our users should never click the link provided in these messages and instead check the official channels of their telco providers for the information on how to register their SIM card starting December 27,” Bangit added.

While concerns about the security of GCash have risen, its customers are assured that their funds and account will remain safe as they go through the registration of their SIM cards. The firm also advised that “to ensure undisrupted access to GCash accounts, the e-wallet is encouraging its customers to promptly register their SIM card with their respective telco provider.”

Further, GCash reminded users that they can report scams and other fraudulent activities when they visit the official GCash Help Center or message “Gigi” on the website and select, “I want to report a scam.”

In September, the mobile wallet started its new feature where it anonymizes the account’s username when making transactions. According to them, this initiative is in line with the efforts of the Globe Group to combat scammers.

What is SIM Card Registration Law?

The SIM Card Registration Act, or Republic Act 11934, was signed into law by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on October 10, 2022. 

Technically, it is made into law in order to regulate the registration and use of SIMs in the country and to assist law enforcement in tracking down perpetrators of crimes committed through phone calls or text messages.

Registration for prior owners of SIM cards started yesterday, December 27, 2022, and will end 180 days after the law’s implementation. Meanwhile, the new SIM cards that are available in the market are automatically deactivated, and the new owner is required to activate them by registering them first before using them. 

The following information is needed to register:

• Full Name
• Date of Birth 
• Sex
• Address
• Government-issued ID + ID number
• The user’s Selfie with the ID presented
• A declaration that the information presented is true and correct

According to the law, the registration form shall be provided by the respective telecommunications company:

• For DITO subscribers: dito.ph/RegisterDITO
• For Globe/TM/Gomo subscribers: new.globe.com.ph/simreg
• For Smart/TNT/Sun subscribers: smart.com.ph/simreg

Other key features of the law are: 

• It requires telco companies and direct sellers to ask for a valid identification document first before selling SIM cards
• Prior owners of SIM cards would be required to register with telcos within a given period—failure to register would result in the deactivation of SIM cards.
• Upon a subpoena or order of a court, telco companies shall disclose the full name and address of SIM card owners.
• Law enforcement agencies conducting probes on crimes committed through phones may also request telecommunications entities for the information of the SIM card’s owner.
• Telecom companies are required to maintain a SIM card register of their subscribers and must submit a verified list of their authorized dealers and agents nationwide to the National Telecommunications Commission with updates every quarter of the year.
• The use of false or fictitious information, the use of fictitious identities, and the use of fraudulent documents or identifications to register a SIM Card will be dealt with by appropriate penalties.

For more information about RA 11934, click here:

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