The expert told how Russians can prepare for the new procedure for issuing SIM cards.

Karpunin: SIM card limit will protect users from fraudsters

Wed, 10/29/2025 - 04:30

Photo: IZVESTIA/Yulia Mayorova

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Russians should check in advance how many SIM cards are registered in their name. Alexey Karpunin, Head of the Operational Efficiency and Business Digitalization Practice, partner at 5D Consulting, informed Izvestia about this on October 28.

Starting from November 1, 2025, a new procedure for issuing and verifying SIM cards will come into force in Russia. It provides for a limit on the number of rooms that can be registered per person, and an updated data verification system. According to Federal Law No. 303-FZ, a citizen will be able to have no more than 20 SIM cards from all telecom operators in total, and foreign citizens - no more than 10. If the limit is exceeded, operators will be required to suspend the service of excess numbers.

According to Alexey Karpunin, the new order is aimed at restoring order in the field of mobile communications and increasing user protection.

"Limiting the number of numbers per person will eliminate mass registrations for fake persons, and banning the transfer of SIM cards without registration will reduce the possibility of using other people's data," the expert noted.

The new verification system will allow operators to automatically verify information about room owners through the Gosuslugi portal. Subscribers will be able to independently view the list of SIM cards issued on them. At the same time, biometric identification and IMEI binding are introduced only for foreign citizens. Starting in the fall of 2025, a ban on transferring SIM cards to third parties without reissuing the contract will come into force - a violation may lead to the number being blocked.

Karpunin stressed that the innovations will help reduce the number of fraudulent schemes and the use of so-called gray numbers used to send phishing messages and financial fraud.

The expert advised Russians to check all SIM cards registered on them in advance through the Gosuslugi portal and terminate unused numbers. It is also recommended to update the passport data from the operators, keep the profile up-to-date and not transfer your SIM cards to third parties.