The UK government is preparing to implement a pioneering ban in Europe targeting the possession and distribution of ‘SIM farms’. This regulatory move aims to combat the growing problem of fraud and scams facilitated by these devices. SIM farms are complex systems capable of housing multiple SIM cards. They enable criminals to deploy large-scale automated messaging schemes and create a multitude of seemingly legitimate online accounts for fraudulent activities.
The urgency for this ban stems from a noticeable 19% rise in fraud reports last year. In England and Wales, fraud now accounts for over 40% of all reported crimes, underscoring the need for stringent preventative measures. This initiative aligns with the government’s security-centric “Plan for Change” and coincides with the upcoming release of an extended national fraud strategy.
The proposed law will classify the possession or supply of a SIM farm device without valid reason as a criminal offense. This legislative step is designed to disrupt major fraud operations by denying criminals a critical tool. The penalties are severe: an unlimited fine in England and Wales, or up to £5,000 in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The ban will be enacted six months after the Crime and Policing Bill receives Royal Assent.
The law not only penalizes the underlying fraud but also targets the enabling technology, adding a new dimension of deterrence for potential offenders. Fraud Minister Lord Hanson emphasized the importance of tackling this issue decisively. He stated, “Fraud devastates lives, and I am determined to take the decisive action necessary to protect the public from these shameful criminals.”
Additionally, the problem’s scale was highlighted, with two-thirds of UK adults reportedly receiving suspicious messages, equivalent to more than 35 million people. This ban is seen as a crucial state intervention to mitigate risk to the public.
The initiative has garnered positive feedback from industry stakeholders such as Vodafone UK. Rachel Andrews, Head of Corporate Security, remarked on the importance of the legislation in fraud prevention. She noted, “So far this year we have blocked over 38.5 million suspected scam messages, and in 2024 that figure reached over 73.5 million.”
Nich Sharp, Deputy Director for Fraud at the National Crime Agency, emphasized, “Fraud is the crime we are all most likely to experience, and one that causes victims significant emotional and financial harm.” He stated the importance of the ban in disrupting large-scale fraud operations.