Avoid Legal Trouble! Discarded Travel SIM Cards Could Be Hijacked for Fraud. Experts Teach Proper Destruction and Deactivation Methods.

Many Hongkongers purchase travel SIM cards, prepaid cards, or eSIMs for internet access when traveling to Japan, Korea, Taiwan, the US, and Europe. However, recently there have been multiple online reports of travelers receiving police notifications weeks or even months after returning home, stating that their registered phone numbers were allegedly involved in fraud cases and requesting their assistance in the investigation. This has sparked widespread concern.

This incident highlights a critical issue many people overlook: the end of a travel data plan does not mean the SIM card number (phone number) is no longer valid. If not properly deactivated or destroyed, the phone number could be exploited by criminals, potentially even implicating the original registrant in legal risks.

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Travel SIM Card Validity Period Does Not Equal Data Plan Expiry

Many consumers mistakenly believe that a "5-day Korea SIM card" or "7-day Japan internet card" will automatically expire after their trip. In reality, the number of days for travel internet access and the SIM card's validity period are two different concepts.

Generally:

• "Data roaming plan" only refers to the number of days mobile data can be used.
• "SIM card number" may still be valid for 90 to 180 days.
• Even if data has been used up, the phone number may still be active.

In other words, if travelers do not actively deactivate the SIM card, the associated number remains linked to the registrant's information. If it is then reused, resold, or used for fraudulent activities by criminals, the police will typically contact the original registrant first during their investigation.

Why Do Used SIM Cards Become Fraud Tools?

According to telecommunications industry insiders and numerous online user accounts, some prepaid SIM cards, even if discarded, can still be read or exploited if their chips are intact. Furthermore, in some countries and regions, prepaid card systems allow numbers to continue receiving SMS messages or performing verifications within their validity period.

Fraud groups may use these numbers to:

• Open online accounts
• Purchase gaming points
• Conduct phishing scams
• Receive one-time verification codes
• Impersonate customer service or bank calls

Therefore, "travel SIM card security" and "prepaid card destruction methods" have become popular search terms in recent years.

Essential SIM Card Deactivation and Destruction Methods After Returning Home

To prevent travel SIM cards from being misused, experts recommend taking the following steps immediately after returning home:

1. Break the SIM card chip

Do not simply discard the SIM card intact. Use scissors to cut the chip area or fold it in half to break it, preventing others from reusing it.

2. Deactivate with the telecom operator

The safest approach is to contact the relevant telecom operator or visit their store in person to formally terminate the number and confirm it is completely invalid.

3. Delete eSIM settings

If using an eSIM, after the data plan ends, you should also delete the eSIM settings on your phone and confirm with the provider whether the number has been cancelled.

Travel Internet Card Security Cannot Be Overlooked

In recent years, the demand for travel eSIMs, Korea SIM cards, Japan internet cards, and global data cards has continuously increased. However, many people only focus on "unlimited data," "cheap travel SIMs," and "high-speed internet," neglecting personal data and number security.

Consumers should pay attention to:

• Checking the actual validity period of the SIM card
• Confirming if real-name registration is required
• Deactivating the number immediately after returning home
• Not reselling or discarding SIM cards carelessly

For frequent travelers, properly handling travel SIM cards not only protects personal data but also helps avoid unwittingly getting involved in fraud cases and legal disputes.