SIM cards are being pre-registered and sold by fraudsters – CPA alleges

The Consumer Protection Agency(CPA) has alleged that some individuals are selling SIM cards that have been pre-registered with the Ghana Cards of others.

Chief Executive of CPA Kofi Kapito, addressing the media said these fraudsters are using the Ghana card details of unsuspecting persons.

He described this as a National Security threat that requires the urgent intervention of the appropriate agencies.

According to the CPA, a market survey they conducted revealed, that these SIMs are being sold between GH¢10 and GH¢20 at sale points at Airport, Kwame Nkrumah Circle and Tip Toe Lane.

“For the purpose of evidence, I have 15 of such SIM cards in my custody; I activated 3 of the SIM cards and their identity was given by the telco companies.”

“These are innocent Ghanaians amongst others who may not be aware their IDs have been used in registering SIM cards on the market that could be used for any criminal activity,” Mr Kapito said.

He stated that the difficulties that people are experiencing in the registration process are what have created a thriving black market where pre-registered SIM cards are being sold on the market despite the regulations given by the sector ministry and the National Communications Authority.

Kofi Kapito thus indicated that CPA supports the re-registration of every SIM card in the country being linked to an identity and lauded Madam Ursula Owusu-Ekuful for considering the masses over the disconnection of unregistered SIM cards.

He however urged the general public to desist from purchasing such pre-registered SIM cards on the market in order to put these fraudsters out of business.