SIM providers are no longer letting us buy bulk sim cards?

[ThatDevAaron]

So, I noticed as I was trying to buy some sim cards, that we're no longer able to buy more than 1/2 per person.

What do you think about this? Are there any work arounds? Why has this happened in the first place? And it's clearly not a 'law', but more-so, the ISPs placing these limitations.

Even ebay, 1 per person, its crazy, 4 months ago, I could take all the sims of the shelf of a shop no problem....

 

[DontAsk]

What do you think about this?

Nothing. It's a non-issue.

If you really need multiple SIMs, approach the network directly (nothing to do with any ISP).

 

[StevensOnln1]

It might be to do with preventing scammers/spammers buying up multiple SIM cards. Ofcom are proposing new rules to tackle the issue, rather than each network/provider setting their own rules as happens currently.

Ofcom UK Propose New Rules to Tackle Mobile Messaging Scams

Ofcom has today announced a "comprehensive package of planned measures" that are designed to improve protection for mobile phone users against messaging scams.

www.ispreview.co.uk

 

[fisicx]

It might be to do with preventing scammers/spammers buying up multiple SIM cards. Ofcom are proposing new rules to tackle the issue, rather than each network/provider setting their own rules as happens currently.

Exactly this. This shouldn’t be unexpected as it’s been in the pipeline for a while.

 

[ThatDevAaron]

Exactly this. This shouldn’t be unexpected as it’s been in the pipeline for a while.

I see, I wasn't aware, I only just came across this recently, a few off licenses had signs saying so, then I checked ebay, and even they have a set of rules against bulk sims/more than 2 sims per person/per addy.

 

[Ozzy]

If you really need multiple SIMs, approach the network directly (nothing to do with any ISP).

Exactly as someone I know does, he provides mobile phone services and has no issue in obtaining hundreds/thousands of SIMs as needed. However, as linked above it is quite a reasonable step to combat scams.

<plug> Small plug to the podcast episode where I interviewed him </plug>

 

[WaveJumper]

I suppose it will be all eSims soon for the very reasons above

 

[Ozzy]

I suppose it will be all eSims soon for the very reasons above

Yep the phones I have in my household are all eSIM

 

[Kerwin]

Yep the phones I have in my household are all eSIM

Same. I have a personal eSIM and a business eSIM in my iPhone. Works a treat.

 

[ThatDevAaron]

Same. I have a personal eSIM and a business eSIM in my iPhone. Works a treat.

I don't like the idea of eSIMs, they pose big security risks.

Especially for business usage, never ever eSIMs. eSIMs aren't the revolutionary tech you think, and I certainly don't see them as an alternative.

 

[Kerwin]

I don't like the idea of eSIMs, they pose big security risks.

Especially for business usage, never ever eSIMs. eSIMs aren't the revolutionary tech you think, and I certainly don't see them as an alternative.

What security risks? If you use a physical SIM card and someone steals your phone they can remove the SIM card easily which they can't do if you have an eSIM.

 

[ThatDevAaron]

What security risks? If you use a physical SIM card and someone steals your phone they can remove the SIM card easily which they can't do if you have an eSIM.

however, it also gives fraudsters and threat actors the ability to instantly get access to your number/incoming texts & calls.

Example, somehow someone gets into my network provider account, and creates a new esim and can get instant access to my number - or they call the provider acting as me, etc, often known as simswapping, and with esims, its made 20x easier and quicker.

physical cards have the obstacle of requiring either access to the address, delivery driver, or, a fake ID and have someone go in-store.

 

[fisicx]

There are a number of hoops they need to go through for this to happen. I’m sure if this were a widespread problem it would be in the news.

I get calls from plenty of scammers trying to get into my account. The sim type is irrelevant.

 

[DontAsk]

I've not read of any eSIM swapping. Please provide links.

 

[ThatDevAaron]

I've not read of any eSIM swapping. Please provide links.

research yourself - the technicalities don't lie.

the only security benefit of a esim - you lose your phone, someone can't put your sim into another phone.

I am simply giving my professional advice/opinion, i cba validating it for you, but i assure you, I speak facts

 

[fisicx]

I have researched this. The risk is negligible.

 

[ThatDevAaron]

I think eSim might prevent you from being caught by stingray devices so that is the only positive i really see regarding it

 

[DontAsk]

research yourself - the technicalities don't lie.

You are the one making the assertion, it's up to you. Not providing a link speaks volumes.

 

[WaveJumper]

I was reading this earlier this morning:

Is eSIM Safe? What It Means for Your Data and Privacy – Maya Mobile

You're about to switch to eSIM technology, but a nagging question keeps surfacing: "Is this actually safe?" With cyber threats making headlines

maya.net

 

[ThatDevAaron]

I was reading this earlier this morning:

Is eSIM Safe? What It Means for Your Data and Privacy – Maya Mobile

You're about to switch to eSIM technology, but a nagging question keeps surfacing: "Is this actually safe?" With cyber threats making headlines

maya.net

Issue with this article is, they say a lot of things, without backing it up.

eSIM sim swapping is IMPOSSIBLE is a big thing to say, and to not provide any more info on why it is, is even more outrageous...

https://i.ibb.co/FbpwyMML/image.png

Also, I do not find it hard to believe at all, that a company selling esims, would create an article praising it as opposed to criticizing it.

 

[fisicx]

However. All the reports I’ve read since you made your security claim a while back all suggest they are no less secure than a physical sim.

A google search returns any number of reports stating the same. Unless you know different.

 

[DontAsk]

I was reading this earlier this morning:

Is eSIM Safe? What It Means for Your Data and Privacy – Maya Mobile

You're about to switch to eSIM technology, but a nagging question keeps surfacing: "Is this actually safe?" With cyber threats making headlines

maya.net

TLDR:

SIM Swap Attacks Are Almost Impossible with eSIM​

 

[fisicx]

Issue with this article is, they say a lot of things, without backing it up.

But isn’t this what you did? Made a statement without backing it up?

 

[DontAsk]

Issue with this article is, they say a lot of things, without backing it up.

Now who else is doing that

eSIM sim swapping is IMPOSSIBLE is a big thing to say

They don't say that, though, do they? You conveniently removed the word ALMOST.

 

[ThatDevAaron]

Now who else is doing that



They don't say that, though, do they? You conveniently removed the word ALMOST.

regardless, they said it in a way purposely to trick people like you into actually thinking they are some crazy secure technology with no flaws. some things are better physical.

The fact they rule out the need of a real person to visit a branch/or a valid address belonging to the sim holder to simswap it/redirecting it via royal mail which is a longer process i presume. instead, you just need a eSIM code, and instantly, your accounts are all compromised.

Funny thing is, I know I'm right and don't want to or need to prove it to you, anyone with a tiny bit of understanding here will sweep in eventually to reassert I'm right lol