SIM REGISTRATION: ITS PERCEIVED EFFECTS IN THE PREVENTION OF SMISHING

This paper analyzed how the implementation of sim registration can contribute to the prevention of smishing. However, it is still being determined whether SIM card registration will be successful in the Philippines because many people fear that their privacy will be risked and that it will not curb crime. The researchers employed both quantitative and descriptive – survey research methods. Respondents for this study were chosen individuals (mobile phone users) aged eighteen (18) to fifty (50) who reside in the designated barangays of Lucena City, Quezon. This study assessed respondents' level of awareness about the SIM card registration act and community members' knowledge about fraud and smishing. Furthermore, this study successfully recognized the potential effects of SIM card registration, both positive and negative. Moreover, it suggests that the government focus on raising public awareness of SIM card registration and its benefits in reducing fraud and smishing. This study also shows that criminals can no longer benefit from the anonymity given by prepaid SIM cards provided by Republic Act No. 11934, also known as the SIM Card Registration Act. Nonetheless, participants learn that registering a SIM card does not guarantee fraud and scams will not occur. The outcomes offered were significantly utilized to attain the study's ultimate goal of SIM card registration in supporting the general significance this entailed.