What should you do if you suddenly find yourself with an unfamiliar SIM card?

(NLĐO) - Users discovering they are registered under an unfamiliar phone number may be due to authorized network provider agents arbitrarily using customer information to register SIM cards.

Many mobile phone users recently received messages from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology requesting them to verify their mobile phone subscriber information before June 15th to protect their rights and ensure the security of their personal information. This is in accordance with Circular 08/2026 of the Ministry of Science and Technology , which came into effect on April 15th.

Previously, mobile network operators also proactively sent text messages to some subscribers who had not yet completed the verification process.

According to the instructions, subscribers can verify their identity through the VNeID application of the Ministry of Public Security ; verify through the application of the telecommunications network; or visit the nearest transaction points in the area.

If the subscriber number has already been used to register for a level 2 electronic identity verification account, then re-verification of the information is not required.

Since April, mobile network operators have been actively supporting users in standardizing their subscriber information. In addition to requiring verification of the SIM card being used, operators also recommend checking phone numbers registered with national ID cards (CCCD) but not yet verified to avoid service disruptions.

Notably, many people were surprised to find that they were registered under numbers they never used after checking their information on VNeID.

"I only registered two SIM cards using my citizen identification card, but when I checked again, I saw an additional unfamiliar number. I quickly chose not to use it to remove it immediately, avoiding any legal risks. Thanks to the continuous notifications from the authorities and the network provider, I noticed it," said Mr. Tam (Ho Chi Minh City).

Users were surprised to find their name listed on an unfamiliar phone number.

Instructions for verifying information on VNeID

Ms. Phuong Thao (Ho Chi Minh City) also said that previously, upon receiving a notification from the network provider, she had verified her subscriber information and checked it on the VNeID application. However, she was surprised to discover that her name was listed on another phone number with the prefix 036xxx... that belonged to her. "I immediately selected 'do not use this subscriber number' to avoid risks," Ms. Thao said.

Regarding users unexpectedly discovering they are registered under unfamiliar phone numbers, a representative from a mobile network operator stated that the cause stems from some employees at authorized dealers arbitrarily using customers' personal information to register SIM cards for sale on the market. This is also one of the reasons why "junk" SIM cards still exist.

Representatives from the network providers believe that this situation will soon disappear as regulations on subscriber verification become increasingly stringent with more rigorous checks.

In cases where a subscriber number is found to be registered under the user's name, Viettel network staff recommend that users access the VNeID application and select the "do not use subscriber number" option. The system will send a warning to the relevant subscriber number; if no adjustments are made, the number will be blocked for outgoing calls and subsequently revoked.

If users are unable to process their VNeID transactions, they can bring their Citizen Identification Card (CCCD) to the nearest transaction point for assistance.

How to check and verify your phone number on VNeID. Graphic: AI

Source: https://nld.com.vn/bong-dung-dinh-sim-la-xu-ly-ra-sao-196260526003017727.htm