Russia plans to ban the sale of SIM cards with pre-loaded funds
New rules for the sale of SIM cards are being prepared in Russia. Legislators plan to ban the sale of cards that already have funds on their balance. This decision is aimed at combating "gray" schemes and increasing the security of mobile phone users.
Currently, many SIM cards are sold with activated tariffs and money on the account. Such cards are often purchased without presenting a passport, which allows scammers to use them for anonymous calls or illegal financial transactions. The new rules should eliminate the possibility of using such cards for criminal activity.
According to the proposed changes, when purchasing a SIM card, the subscriber will first have to go through an identity verification procedure. Only after signing an official contract and confirming their data will the user be able to top up their account and start using communication services. This will make the mobile services market more transparent and controlled.
Experts note that such measures will help reduce the number of spam calls and cases of telephone fraud. The bill is currently under discussion, and if it is passed, mobile operators will have to change the procedure for selling their services across the country.
It is expected that the new rules will come into force in the near future. For ordinary users, the procedure for purchasing a SIM card will become more formal, but it will better protect their personal data from malicious actors.