What Are Proof-less SIM Cards?
Proof-less SIM cards are mobile SIM cards issued without proper identity verification, such as Aadhaar or biometric authentication.
In today’s India, proof-less SIM cards do not legally exist. All SIM connections must be verified with valid identity proof and biometric authentication.
How Proof-less SIM Cards Existed Earlier
About 15 years ago, SIM cards in India were issued using basic documents like:
- Ration Card
- Voter ID
The Aadhaar system was introduced in 2009, and before its full implementation, many SIM cards were issued without strong identity checks. Some people even obtained SIM cards using someone else’s identity or without submitting any proof.
Why Proof-less SIM Cards Are Illegal Now
Today, selling or using proof-less SIM cards is illegal in India.
These SIM cards were often misused for:
- Fraud
- Cybercrime
- Illegal activities
If a crime was committed using such a SIM, the innocent person whose identity was used would be suspected, causing serious legal trouble.
Because of this misuse, proof-less SIM cards were usually sold at very high prices in the black market.
Aadhaar & Biometric Verification Changed Everything
- 2010: Aadhaar-based verification was introduced for SIM cards
- 2018: Biometric authentication became mandatory
Now, every SIM card owner must:
- Submit Aadhaar as identity proof
- Complete biometric verification
This has significantly reduced illegal activities linked to SIM misuse.
How to Check How Many SIM Cards Are Registered on Your Identity
You can easily check how many mobile numbers are linked to your identity using the TAFCOP (Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection) portal.
Steps:
- Visit the TAFCOP Consumer Portal
- Enter your mobile number
- Click on Request OTP
- Enter the OTP received
- You’ll see all mobile numbers registered under your identity
What You Can Do There:
- Identify unused or unknown numbers
- Report suspicious numbers as “This is not my number”
- Remove old or inactive SIM cards
Report Illegal SIM Card Sales
If you find anyone selling proof-less SIM cards, report it immediately on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. This helps prevent fraud and protects innocent people from being falsely implicated.
Final Note
Always keep track of SIM cards linked to your identity.
A few minutes of checking today can save you from serious legal and financial trouble tomorrow.
