Biometrics for SIM Card Registration: Enhancing Security and Preventing Fraud

February 4, 2025 | 5 minute read

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SIM cards have become a key access point to our digital existence. As of 2023, there were over 5.4 billion unique mobile subscribers globally, which represents approximately 67% of the global population.

The ubiquity of SIM cards poses a growing challenge: SIM card fraud. Criminals are finding clever ways to exploit systems, using stolen or synthetic identities to gain access, steal data, and commit financial fraud. For governments, telecommunications providers, and the average cell phone user, securing SIM registration isn’t just optional—it’s critical.

The Problem: Fraud in SIM Card Registration

The reality is, SIM card fraud isn’t a rare occurrence. Identity fraud tied to SIM card registrations is rising, with incidents like SIM swapping attacks causing financial and reputational damage. Although there are over 5 billion people who own phones, many individuals use multiple SIM cards. The total number of active SIM connections worldwide is now at around 8.5 billion. In 2021, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center received 1,611 SIM swapping complaints with adjusted losses of more than $68 million. And in 2023, more than $48.8 million in losses were reported due to SIM swapping scams, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Report.

Law enforcement agencies often hit dead ends when tracking criminals who hide behind unregistered or anonymous SIM cards. Fraudsters take advantage of weak registration systems, and without effective controls, it’s difficult to block burner or fraudulent SIMs. The situation creates a security gap that puts everyday users at risk and hinders law enforcement’s ability to track and stop criminal activity. Additionally, existing systems often leave users frustrated, forcing them to endure repeated and inconvenient re-registrations.

The Solution: A Centralized Biometric SIM Registry

A centralized biometric SIM registry can be the key to solving many fraud issues. Biometric technology can tie digital identity to physical characteristics that are nearly impossible to fake.

Here’s how it works:

  • Unique User Identification: Instead of relying on outdated methods, the system generates a Telephone Identification Number (TIN) for each user. This TIN manages all SIM lifecycle operations—from new registrations to SIM swaps to ownership changes.
  • Secure Self-Registration: Mobile carriers can enable users to register their SIMs securely through self-enrollment, thanks to an API that connects seamlessly with the registry.
  • Biometric Verification: Features like facial liveness detection ensure every user is real, instantly blocking fraudulent attempts. Biometric matching then verifies the individual against their ID card, adding an additional layer of security.
  • Automated Cross-Checks: Systems can performs ID checks against national databases, reducing the chances of fraudulent registrations.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Real-time monitoring and management tools make it easy for carriers and regulators to oversee operations while maintaining compliance with local regulations.

A Step Toward a Safer Mobile Future

Biometric technology isn’t just about security; it’s about giving people peace of mind and ease of use in an increasingly digital world. As SIM fraud continues to evolve, so should our defenses. A centralized biometric registry provides not only the security needed to combat fraud but also the efficiency that users and telecom operators expect.

With Aware’s deep expertise in biometrics, we’re ready to create a safer, more secure mobile experience for SIM card registrants. Aware collaborates with partners like AXON to deliver solutions that make SIM registration both secure and easy to manage. Our technology features facial capture and liveness detection that’s intuitive and quick, high facial match rates even with lower quality ID photos, and strong liveness solutions that stop masks, paper cutouts, injection attacks, and more.

Looking for a reliable and experienced partner to help you achieve a more secure mobile future? Get in touch with our Aware team to learn more.