British holidaymakers are being urgently warned about a sophisticated scam where criminals steal passport details during the purchase of local SIM cards in popular tourist destinations.
The Registration Ruse: How the Scam Works
In numerous countries, including Thailand, France, Spain, Italy, Kenya, Morocco, and Australia, it is a legal requirement to register a new SIM card with a passport or national ID. While this policy aims to combat crime and enhance security, fraudsters are exploiting the process.
Many tourists, seeking cheaper deals, buy SIM cards from unauthorised sellers at airports, train stations, or tourist streets. By handing over their passport for registration, they inadvertently provide criminals with a treasure trove of sensitive data.
Vykintas Maknickas, CEO of travel eSIM company Saily, explained the dual nature of the system. "Registering a SIM card serves a good cause. It helps combat criminal activity and prevent misuse," he said. "Nevertheless, criminals use this obligation to collect information from travellers' passports and to make a profit at their expense."
The Grave Risks of Exposed Passport Data
A passport contains highly sensitive information: full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and personal identification number. In the wrong hands, this data can be devastating.
Fraudsters can use it to:
- Access the victim's bank accounts.
- Apply for credit or loans.
- Commit crimes under the passport owner's identity.
- Sell the personal data on to other criminals.
This facilitates identity theft, sophisticated phishing attacks, and other financial scams. Maknickas also highlighted another dangerous offer: "There are sellers who offer pre-registered SIM cards. Unfortunately, sometimes these SIM cards are already tied to someone else's identity, which is illegal, so you might be held responsible."
How to Protect Yourself While Travelling
Experts advise several key steps to stay safe and connected without risking your identity:
1. Consider an eSIM: A digital eSIM, downloaded before you travel or upon arrival, bypasses the need for physical registration with unofficial sellers. Providers like Saily offer these secure, digital profiles.
2. Buy from Official Sources Only: Always purchase physical SIM cards directly from mobile provider stores at airports, official carrier outlets, or authorised retailers. Never buy from street vendors.
3. Verify the Registration: Ensure the SIM is registered in your name with proper ID, and get confirmation from the provider that the process is complete and legitimate.
4. Monitor Your Accounts: After buying a SIM, closely watch your bank statements and phone bills for any unusual activity.
The warning comes as related crimes like unauthorised SIM swaps—where criminals hijack a victim’s mobile number—have skyrocketed. Fraud prevention service Cifas reported a staggering 1,055 per cent surge in cases during 2024.
This alert reinforces broader travel security advice. Earlier this year, experts also revealed five of the sneakiest scam texts targeting Britons, urging constant vigilance with personal data both online and offline.
