In a move to reduce and prevent the growing number of scam calls and digital fraud, the Bhutan Information Communication and Media Authority, BICMA, is tightening SIM card regulations in collaboration with telecom operators. During the Meet the Press session, the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment said they are looking into not issuing deactivated old sim card numbers to new customers.
The minister said that deactivated mobile numbers, when reissued make it easier for scammers to exploit these numbers.
He added that although the number can be deactivated, it is difficult to remove old registrations from messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram.
To avoid reusing old numbers, the minister said that TashiCell is asked to issue new mobile number series ‘78’ and BICMA is working with Bhutan Telecom on using a new series like ‘19’.
Namgyal Dorji, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment said, “SIM cards issued to foreign concrete workers will be deactivated once their immigration permits expire, unless renewed. Similarly, their bank accounts will be frozen until closed. Mobile numbers will also be removed from banking credentials before being reissued to new customers to prevent misuse.”
The records with the Ministry of Home Affairs show that scams such as pyramid schemes, fake rental ads, online shopping fraud, sextortion and fake lottery wins are among the most common in the country.
The Department of Law and Order is leading efforts to combat digital and financial scams, working with the police, Royal Monetary Authority, financial institutions, and telecom companies.
Sonam Yuden
Edited by Tshering Zam
