SINGAPORE – Mobile phone users can now check the number of postpaid SIM cards registered under their names using a new tool launched to
combat scammers
.
Developed and launched by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Government Technology Agency of Singapore,
SIMCardHowMany, which is still under development
, is part of recent new measures to curb scam syndicates using “mule” lines to open bank accounts for illicit fund transfers.
“The self-help SIM card checker is the latest in the series of anti-scam measures put in place by IMDA and the telcos to protect the public against scams,” said an IMDA spokesperson in response to queries from The Straits Times.
“It complements the
10 postpaid SIM card limit per person across all telcos
, which comes into effect on Feb 28.”
This new measure was announced earlier in January. IMDA and the police said its aim is to minimise the illicit purchase and use of SIM cards, while catering to legitimate needs such as those who require a higher number of SIM cards for family members or for business purposes.
With the new SIM card checker, telco customers will receive a list of phone numbers registered under their names.
PHOTO: SCREENSHOT FROM INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY WEBSITE
This limit was reduced from the previous cap of 10 postpaid SIM cards per telco as the authorities had found an increasing trend of SIM mules buying postpaid SIM cards in bulk across different retailers.
On SIMCardHowMany, users first fill up a form with their name and NRIC retrieved via Singpass. They then fill in their e-mail address and verify that with a six-digit code before receiving a list of the phone numbers registered under their names via an e-mail.
Prepaid, data-only SIM cards, corporate individual scheme plans and mobile phone numbers under a family plan registered under another family member are not included in this check. IMDA will take public feedback into account to assess the effectiveness of the SIM card checker.
“(We will) continue to work with the police and other government agencies to develop measures to fight scams,” said the spokesperson.
The authorities urged those who spot discrepancies or suspect that postpaid SIM cards have been fraudulently registered under their name to make a report to their telcos and on the ScamShield app.
Developed by the police, National Crime Prevention Council and Open Government Products, ScamShield filters scam messages and calls based on numbers that have been reported by users and reviewed by the authorities, and the use of artificial intelligence that can pick up on words commonly used in fraudulent texts.
Measures to curb SIM card abuse have been rolled out since April 2014, when the maximum number of prepaid SIM cards customers could register was cut from 10 across all telcos to three.
In April 2024, the authorities imposed a limit of 10 postpaid SIM cards per telco for each mobile phone user. Previously, mobile phone users could register an unlimited number of postpaid SIM cards.
Despite these measures, the authorities found that there was still an increasing trend of SIM card mules buying postpaid SIM cards in bulk across different retailers.
After buying the SIM cards, the mules would hand them over to criminal syndicates or scammers, who would use them for illicit gains.
Since October 2025, those who have been warned, prosecuted or convicted, or are under investigation for mule-related offences, can be barred from registering new phone lines and restricted from accessing banking and national authentication services.
This framework has resulted in 550 money mules, 801 SIM card mules and 51 corporate entities being placed under restrictions, said police. Members of the public are advised against allowing anyone to use their banking facilities to transfer funds, provide access to their Singpass credentials, or supply them with local SIM cards.
“Criminal syndicates are perpetrating scams in Singapore through local mules,” said police.
“The public must remain vigilant to avoid becoming participants, whether intentionally for monetary rewards or unwittingly through manipulation.”
