Free SIM Scam Allegations Leave Families in Legal Trouble in Thakurgaon
A fraud ring is allegedly luring people in different areas of Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila with offers of free SIM cards and recharge, trapping unsuspecting residents. Complaints have emerged that several families are now facing legal complications after accepting Robi Axiata PLC and Airtel SIM cards from the group.
According to the allegations, most of the victims are women.
Some victims said that after receiving a single SIM card, they later discovered that multiple SIMs had been registered in their names. In some cases, legal cases have reportedly been filed against family members, forcing them to travel to various locations to deal with legal complications.
Responding to the allegations, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer of Robi Axiata PLC Shahed Alam said, “We have not received any such complaints so far. Under the current policy, a maximum of 10 SIM cards can be registered in the name of one customer. If a customer wishes, they can cancel any unnecessary SIM registered in their name at any time. If any customer files a direct complaint, we will take the necessary steps.”
Similarly, the office of the Superintendent of Police in Thakurgaon has urged anyone who falls victim to fraud through multiple SIM registrations using their National Identity Card (NID) to file a written complaint at the police station.
Meanwhile, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila Khairul Islam said the matter has already come to their attention and work has begun to address it. If necessary, discussions will be held with the relevant telecom companies to find a solution.
Local residents of the Akcha area in Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila, including Selim Reza and Nur Nahar Begum, along with Sadikul and Soleman speaking on behalf of their wives, informed local media about the alleged SIM fraud. According to the allegations, the wives of Sadikul and Soleman had to travel to Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar to deal with legal cases filed against them.
According to victim Selim Reza, his mother, sister-in-law, and sister were offered free SIM cards and recharge, which led them into the fraud scheme. He claimed that after taking one SIM, their NID cards were used to register multiple SIM cards. As a result, several SIMs are now registered under the NID of one of his family members, leaving them deeply worried.
He said many of their neighbours have also fallen victim to similar fraud and unknowingly become accused in various cases. “We are all living in fear because of this,” he added.
Local residents allege that while the group initially offers a free SIM using an NID card, it subsequently registers multiple SIM cards under the same identity. The group reportedly sells these SIMs while moving from place to place. In many cases, without the knowledge of the individuals concerned, as many as 15 to 30 additional SIMs have been registered under their NID cards. Since these SIMs are allegedly used in criminal activities across the country, the registered individuals themselves face the risk of legal cases.
DBTech/DPRM/MUM/OR
