People in Bahrain are being warned against registering SIM cards in their names for anyone other than immediate family members, as doing so could expose them to legal consequences.
Hidd Police Station chief Colonel Dr Osama Bahar warned that criminals often use SIM cards registered under other people’s names to carry out fraudulent activities, leaving the original owner vulnerable to investigation and potential liability.
Speaking on the Interior Ministry’s Al Aman social media programme, Col Dr Bahar said criminals could use phone numbers linked to innocent individuals to commit fraud through various applications.
“Imagine a criminal or a group of criminals is arrested and found in possession of a phone number registered in your name,” he said.
“That number could be linked to a bank account containing suspicious transfers and financial transactions.
“Criminals use applications to carry out online fraud and other offences. If the police trace criminal activity to a number registered in your name, investigators will follow the necessary legal procedures.
“They will summon the registered owner, conduct enquiries and question them, and there could be legal repercussions.
“Also, do not keep a stranger’s number registered in your name as that will give them the cover to commit the crime and harm the people of this country.”
Registering a SIM card for a stranger effectively links their activities to your legal identity, exposing you to serious risks, including legal liability, financial losses from unpaid bills and potential restrictions such as travel bans if the number is used for illegal purposes.
Col Dr Bahar
Col Dr Bahar warned that law enforcement agencies trace unlawful activities, threats and fraud to the registered owner of a phone number, meaning the individual whose name appears on the SIM card may be held accountable until their innocence is established.
“If a stranger uses the line for financial scams or cybercrime, you could find yourself facing legal scrutiny as a possible accomplice,” he said.
He also highlighted the financial risks associated with allowing others to use SIM cards registered in your name. Postpaid lines and active data plans can accumulate charges that remain the legal responsibility of the account holder, even if they were incurred by someone else.
Col Dr Bahar urged residents to keep SIM cards registered solely in their own names to avoid potential legal and financial consequences.
“This is not a simple matter, the SIM card is part of your digital identity,” said Col Dr Bahar.
“When you register a number in your name, you provide your personal information and fingerprint.
“If you hand that SIM card to someone else, you are giving them access to the number and apps that could be used to commit crimes.”
Col Dr Bahar also explained the distinction between registering a SIM card for a stranger and allowing immediate family members, such as a spouse or child, to use a number registered in your name.
“Strangers could leave you with unpaid bills or engage in activities that harm the country,” he said.
“Your children are young and you are responsible for them and their devices are under your supervision, and your wife is a trusted individual.
“So, for your own protection, check the numbers registered in your name regularly.
“If you suspect that a SIM card linked to you is being misused, contact the telecommunications company immediately and have the line disconnected.”
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