Privacy for internet access: Criminals use SIM card registration to steal passport details from travelers

Overpricing, hidden charges, and low-quality mobile internet service are not the worst things that can happen when buying a SIM card from the first seller on the corner at the airport.

In many popular tourist destinations, individuals are required to provide a passport or national ID card to buy and register a new SIM card. Looking for quick access to cheaper internet, travelers purchase local SIM cards from unreliable or unauthorized sellers, exposing themselves to scams or privacy and financial threats.

“Registering a SIM card serves a good cause. It helps combat criminal activity, ensure national security, and prevent the misuse of mobile communications for illegal purposes. Nevertheless, criminals use this obligation to collect information from travelers’ passports and to make a profit at their expense. So, never blindly trust the first SIM card seller you see outside an airport or train station,” says Vykintas Maknickas, CEO of Saily, a travel eSIM company.

Registration of newly purchased SIM cards is compulsory in a number of popular travel destinations, including Thailand, France, Spain, Italy, Kenya, Morocco, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Australia. Individuals traveling to these locations should be especially aware that buying a physical SIM card from an unreliable seller and providing an ID document could lead to fraudulent activities.

Passports and other ID documents contain highly sensitive personal information, such as full name, date of birth, nationality, passport, and personal identification number. Fraudsters may use this information to get into their victim’s bank accounts, apply for credit, commit crimes under the passport owner’s name, or simply sell personal data to third parties. This data could also be used for identity theft, phishing, or other types of scams.

“There are sellers who offer pre-registered SIM cards. This might sound like a good and privacy-friendly option. Unfortunately, sometimes these SIM cards are already tied to someone else’s identity, which is illegal, so you might be held responsible for identity theft,” says Maknickas.

How to avoid risks related to SIM registration

To mitigate risks related to SIM registration in some top travel destinations, Maknickas advises these preventive measures:

• Use eSIM-based mobile internet service providers. Setting up and buying mobile internet plans from a travel eSIM provider is a transparent and safe option. Some wireless providers like Saily also provide built-in anti-malware protection tools to protect you from cyber threats while traveling.
• Buy a SIM from authorized sellers. Always purchase SIM cards from mobile provider stores at airports, official outlets, carriers, or authorized sellers to ensure the card is genuine, properly registered, and legally compliant.
• Verify the registration process. Ensure the SIM card is registered in your name with proper identification, and ensure you receive confirmation from the mobile provider that the registration is complete and legitimate.
• Monitor your accounts. After registering a new SIM, monitor your bank accounts and phone bills to spot any suspicious activity.

Saily is an affordable and secure travel eSIM that helps people to manage mobile and internet connections from anywhere in the world. Saily offers 24/7 instant customer support, flexible plans, and coverage in 200+ destinations. Saily was created by the experts behind NordVPN — the advanced security and privacy app.