Tightening of limit on number of postpaid SIM cards

1. Starting from 28 February 2026, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), in consultation with the Singapore Police Force (SPF), will further limit the number of postpaid SIM cards each person can register, to a maximum of 10 across all the telcos. This follows earlier tightening of SIM card limits in April 2014 and April 2024 and is the latest in the series of anti-scam measures put in place by IMDA and the telcos to protect the public against scams.

2. IMDA has been working with the telcos to tighten SIM card registration to prevent illicit use. In April 2014, the maximum number of prepaid SIM cards for which a person could register was reduced from 10 across all the telcos to 3. Before April 2024, a person was allowed to register an unlimited number of postpaid SIM cards. In April 2024, this was tightened to a maximum of 10 postpaid SIM cards per telco.

3. Other safeguards were put in place for the registration of SIM cards such as requiring the use of government-issued identification documents for registration, disallowing the use of foreign passports to register for postpaid SIM cards, and requiring the use of Singpass for online registration.

4. These measures were put in place to restrict scammers’ ability to abuse the use of SIM cards while minimising inconvenience to legitimate users.

5. Despite these measures, IMDA and SPF are still observing an increasing trend of SIM mules purchasing postpaid SIM cards in bulk across different retailers. After purchasing the SIM cards, the mules would hand them over to criminal syndicates or scammers, who will then use them for illicit purposes.

6. With effect from 28 February 2026, telcos will further tighten the rules such that each person will only be permitted to register a maximum of 10 postpaid SIM cards across all the telcos. This aims to minimise the illicit purchase and use of SIM cards, while catering to the needs of legitimate users, such as those who require a higher number of SIM cards for family members or for business purposes.

7. To minimise the impact on legitimate use of postpaid SIM cards, the new rules will be applied to new subscriptions from 28 February 2026. The following will not be affected:

• Legitimate subscribers who have already subscribed to more than 10 postpaid SIM cards before 28 February 2026 can retain their SIM cards. They will not be required to give up any SIM cards. However, such subscribers will not be able to sign up for additional SIM cards.  
• SIM cards subscribed under company or corporate subscription plans and data-only SIM cards that cannot send SMS and make calls. 

8. This limit on purchase of SIM cards is part of IMDA’s multi-layered approach to protect the public from scams. 

9. The Police take firm and tough action against any person who may be involved in scams, including mules. With effect from 30 December 2025, scammers and members or recruiters of scam syndicates face mandatory caning of at least 6 strokes, and up to 24 strokes. Scam mules face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes. They will also be barred from registering any new SIM cards.

10. To avoid being an accomplice to crimes, members of the public should always reject requests from others to use their SIM cards as they will be held accountable if these SIM cards are linked to crimes. IMDA will continue to assess if more measures are required to strengthen existing levers against scams.

11. Combatting scams is a whole-of-society effort. The public should continue to remain vigilant and exercise caution when receiving calls and SMSes from unfamiliar numbers. Scammers will change their methods and tactics and there are no fool-proof preventive measures. IMDA remains steadfast in working closely with stakeholders including SPF and the telcos in the fight against scams. For more information on IMDA’s anti-scam measures, please visit Anti-Scam Measures | IMDA.