The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged telecommunication subscribers to beware of criminality while doing SIM swap or replacing their SIM cards.
NCC’s Head of Zonal Operations, Helen Obi, gave the warning at the Consumer Conversation in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Obi said there had been concerns about illegal SIM swaps without the consent of the consumers.
“We urge telecom consumers to be vigilant because somebody who is privy to some of your private information can actually carry out an illegal SIM swap.
“SIM swap/replacement is supposed to be completed within 24 hours. If the SIM swap is not activated within 24 hours, complain to your service provider and banks in order not to give chance for criminal activities,” she said.
“The service provider is now expected to carry out the SIM swap, but if there are issues why the process cannot be completed within 24 hours; that service provider is expected to report back to the NCC,” she said.
Obi said consumers should call the NCC toll-free 622 line to lodge any complaint. She also enjoined subscribers to activate the “do-not-disturb” (DND) 2442 service code to manage the receipt of unsolicited messages.
She said forcefully subscribing consumers to any service by service providers without their express consent attracts a fine of N5m.
The residents of Karu complained of unnecessary deductions by service providers, high data charges, non-availability of network in some localities and poor quality of service.
Responding, Obi assured that the commission was not resting on its oars in ensuring that subscribers had good experience while using telecommunication.
