Preventing the use of SIM farms for fraud
Read the full outcome
Detail of outcome
This document sets out the government’s proposed measures to prevent the use of SIM farms for fraud in the UK.
We are grateful to those who took time to respond to the consultation.
Original consultation
Consultation description
SIM farms are devices that can hold multiple SIM cards, which are used to:
- send scam texts
- run scam call campaigns
- post misleading, false or phishing messages on social media in bulk
We’re seeking views on:
- our definition of SIM farms, to ensure it accurately captures the devices currently in use
- our plan to apply the measure only to devices with more than 4 slots
- whether other technologies used almost exclusively to commit fraud should be included
This consultation is open to the public. We’re particularly interested in hearing from:
- people and businesses who are victims of fraud from scam texts or calls
- telecoms operators
- businesses that may be affected by the proposals
- law enforcement
- consumer groups
- organisations focused on fraud, civil liberties and human rights
If you require information in another format, email simfarmconsultation@homeoffice.gov.uk. Tell us what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.
Documents
Updates to this page
Last updated 18 December 2023 + show all updates
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Added the Welsh translation of the response.
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Added the consultation response.
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Updated the economic note and added Welsh version.
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Added the Welsh version of the consultation.
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Added accessible versions of the documents.
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First published.