Consultation outcome

Preventing the use of SIM farms for fraud

• From: Home Office
• Published: 3 May 2023
• Last updated: 18 December 2023 — See all updates

This was published under the 2022 to 2024 Sunak Conservative government

This consultation has concluded

Read the full outcome

Preventing the use of SIM farms for fraud: government response (accessible)

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-4563-8, E03015619 11/23, CP 978

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Preventing the use of SIM farms for fraud: government response

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-4563-8, E03015619 11/23, CP 978

PDF, 343 KB, 28 pages

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Preventing the use of SIM farms for fraud: government response (Welsh)

PDF, 301 KB, 28 pages

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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.

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Original consultation

Summary

This consultation sets out proposals to ban the manufacture, import, sale, hire and possession of SIM farms (devices for more than 4 SIM cards) in the UK.

This consultation ran from
3 May 2023 to 5pm on 14 June 2023

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

Preventing the use of SIM farms for fraud: consultation (accessible)

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-4099-2, E02907078, CP 843

HTML

Order a copy

Preventing the use of SIM farms for fraud: consultation

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-4099-2, E02907078, CP 843

PDF, 381 KB, 40 pages

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This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

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If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@homeoffice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

SIM farm regulation: economic note (accessible)

HTML

SIM farm regulation: economic note

PDF, 430 KB, 12 pages

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If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@homeoffice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Preventing the use of SIM farms for fraud: consultation (accessible Welsh)

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-4099-2, E02907078, CP 843

HTML

Order a copy

Preventing the use of SIM farms for fraud: consultation (Welsh)

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-4099-2, E02907078, CP 843

PDF, 447 KB, 40 pages

Order a copy

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@homeoffice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

SIM farm regulation: economic note (accessible Welsh)

HTML

SIM farm regulation: economic note (Welsh)

PDF, 285 KB, 14 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

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If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@homeoffice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Published 3 May 2023
Last updated 18 December 2023 + show all updates

1. 18 December 2023

   Added the Welsh translation of the response.

2. 27 November 2023

   Added the consultation response.

3. 9 June 2023

   Updated the economic note and added Welsh version.

4. 7 June 2023

   Added the Welsh version of the consultation.

5. 3 May 2023

   Added accessible versions of the documents.

6. 3 May 2023

   First published.