Moldova plans to require ID for SIM card purchases
The Moldovan government plans to tighten controls on the sale of SIM cards to combat telephone fraud. As early as next week, the Cabinet of Ministers may adopt a resolution requiring citizens to present identification when purchasing a phone number.
According to Moldovan Interior Minister Daniela Misail-Nikitin, the measure is aimed at countering criminals who use prepaid SIM cards for fraudulent schemes.
“In this way, we will reduce the risk for those who use prepaid cards only once and exclusively to commit crimes. At this stage, as an interim measure, the police chief is asking mobile operators, in particular, to restrict bulk sales. After all, there are cases where 50–60 cards are purchased at once,” the minister noted.
The new rules are intended to make it more difficult for telephone scammers, who often use large numbers of anonymous numbers for illegal activities.
In addition, the Moldovan government has approved the ratification of an additional protocol to the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime. The document provides for a more efficient international exchange of information, which is intended to strengthen the fight against cybercrime and fraudulent schemes.
Authorities are also urging citizens to be cautious and not to share money, bank details, or personal information with strangers to avoid becoming victims of fraud.
This was reported by TVR Moldova.
Earlier, Moldova recorded a cyberattack that affected about a third of the healthcare system’s database, including citizens’ personal and payment information. Authorities suspect that Russia may be involved in the incident.
