The public is strongly warned against purchasing new SIM cards from certain street vendors. It is advisable to purchase SIM cards from a store that requires proof of residence and identification.

Persons have been defrauded after they have handed the old SIM to the vendor after purchasing a new one with substantial data.

The old SIM is then inserted into another phone where personal details and banking apps have been accessed and bank accounts have been emptied.

Under no circumstances should the old SIM be handed over to the seller.  In addition, some SIM cards purchased from street vendors have already been RICA’d on another name, when the phone is stolen in a crime or lost it is difficult for police to trace and find the rightful owner.

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