Protect yourself from fraud
BEWARE: IDLE SIM CARDS COULD COST YOU
Published: 04:06 PM,Jun 29,2025 | EDITED : 08:06 PM,Jun 29,2025
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Have you ever taken an extra SIM card - maybe for a special offer, a second device, or to give someone else - and then forgotten about it? Did you cancel it properly? If not, you could unknowingly be opening the door to fraud and identity theft.
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has warned residents about the dangers of misusing SIM cards registered under their names, highlighting the growing threat of SIM swapping and cloning. Fraudsters can hijack your phone number, gain access to calls and SMS messages and potentially compromise your financial and personal accounts, leading to significant losses.
“A SIM card is personal property and shouldn’t be shared or handed over lightly. The subscriber is solely responsible for all activities linked to the card,” the ROP emphasised in a recent statement.
Fraudsters misuse SIM cards in two major ways. First, they may convince someone to hand over a SIM, sometimes in exchange for payment, and then use it for illegal activities. Second, through SIM swapping, criminals use stolen personal information to trick a mobile service provider into issuing a replacement SIM. Once they have control, they can intercept security codes for bank accounts and other sensitive platforms.
“SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module - it literally carries your identity,” says Rekha Prem, a social media influencer and social worker. “If your SIM is lost, misused, or hacked, you’re the one held accountable. Even a small oversight can lead to major headaches, so always cancel unused SIMs.”
Azeez Hadad, Director of Branding and Communications at Ooredoo, reiterated: “The individual is solely responsible for any SIM card issued in their name, whether active or inactive. It is crucial to protect your identity and take utmost care.” He added that telecom companies continue to run awareness campaigns to educate users.
How to protect yourself:
Never share personal or financial information online or over unsolicited calls, e-mails, or texts.
Set up a PIN or password with your mobile provider to help prevent unauthorised SIM swaps.
Use strong passwords, enable two-factor or biometric authentication and download apps only from official stores.
Regularly monitor your bank accounts and credit reports for unusual activity; report suspicious incidents immediately to the ROP.
Unused or idle SIM cards might seem harmless, but they can become gateways for serious fraud. Staying vigilant today can save you from major troubles tomorrow.
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has warned residents about the dangers of misusing SIM cards registered under their names, highlighting the growing threat of SIM swapping and cloning. Fraudsters can hijack your phone number, gain access to calls and SMS messages and potentially compromise your financial and personal accounts, leading to significant losses.
“A SIM card is personal property and shouldn’t be shared or handed over lightly. The subscriber is solely responsible for all activities linked to the card,” the ROP emphasised in a recent statement.
Fraudsters misuse SIM cards in two major ways. First, they may convince someone to hand over a SIM, sometimes in exchange for payment, and then use it for illegal activities. Second, through SIM swapping, criminals use stolen personal information to trick a mobile service provider into issuing a replacement SIM. Once they have control, they can intercept security codes for bank accounts and other sensitive platforms.
“SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module - it literally carries your identity,” says Rekha Prem, a social media influencer and social worker. “If your SIM is lost, misused, or hacked, you’re the one held accountable. Even a small oversight can lead to major headaches, so always cancel unused SIMs.”
Azeez Hadad, Director of Branding and Communications at Ooredoo, reiterated: “The individual is solely responsible for any SIM card issued in their name, whether active or inactive. It is crucial to protect your identity and take utmost care.” He added that telecom companies continue to run awareness campaigns to educate users.
How to protect yourself:
Never share personal or financial information online or over unsolicited calls, e-mails, or texts.
Set up a PIN or password with your mobile provider to help prevent unauthorised SIM swaps.
Use strong passwords, enable two-factor or biometric authentication and download apps only from official stores.
Regularly monitor your bank accounts and credit reports for unusual activity; report suspicious incidents immediately to the ROP.
Unused or idle SIM cards might seem harmless, but they can become gateways for serious fraud. Staying vigilant today can save you from major troubles tomorrow.