When it comes to orchestrating global scams, no single element is as indispensable as the SIM card. Whether targeting unsuspecting individuals through phishing attempts, mass telemarketing fraud, or elaborate online investment schemes, scammers rely on having anonymous, disposable, and easily replaceable SIM cards.
In an exclusive interview with Sean—a Malaysian SIM supplier deeply entrenched in the black market—revealed, the right SIM cards can make or break a scam operation. From bulk-registered U.S. numbers to premium India SIMs costing hundreds of dollars each, fraudsters carefully choose their digital phone lines based on accessibility, stability, and the ability to bypass identity checks.
“It’s easy to get SIMs if you know the right people,” Sean explains. “I can get my hands on almost any country’s numbers—no sweat.”
Different SIMs for Different Needs
USA （The most sought out number)
Cheap and available in large quantities - Base price 10.50 selling price 14.50.
Extremely reliable, with an option for unlimited calls and texts at around USD 20, or just a few dollars each for OTP-only usage.
Ideal for big scam centers looking to run large-scale fraud operations.
Typically, if 70 out of 100 cards can be successfully activated on WhatsApp, and 30 cannot, the buyer is not entitled to a refund. This “no-refund” policy can lead to disputes, putting suppliers at risk of retaliation from disgruntled (and sometimes dangerous) clients. In most cases, Sean uses his profits to cover the cost of the 30 unusable numbers, which is why he prefers not to sell U.S. numbers.
Stable purchase - There is a stable purchase rate of up to 10,000 numbers in a week sought by scam centers.
India
Expensive (up to USD 100–200 each) due to high demand and hard to ship in.
Despite the cost, they offer unique advantages when targeting certain markets or platforms that require an Indian number.
Provide refund if unable to register whatsapp.
Malaysia
In Malaysia, the largest supplier typically buys directly from the telecom companies, ensuring the lowest possible wholesale prices. Smaller-scale suppliers, by contrast, tend to source their stock from retail shops. The most popular brands in this market are Digi and Hotlink, renowned for their easy activation and extensive network coverage. Malaysian credentials are also the easiest to obtain, costing just RM30 for each card registration. With a base price of RM9 (around USD 2.25) per SIM, the resale price often reaches RM16 (approximately USD 4). Buyers are typically allowed to purchase up to 100 SIMs per week and can register 10–20 SIMs per day. Meanwhile, the minimum bulk purchase on the black market is generally set at 100 SIMs.
Singapore
Due to Singapore’s strict telecommunications regulations, Singapore SIM cards have become exceptionally valuable on the black market, often commanding USD 70 to 138 apiece. This profitability has made them highly sought after yet notoriously difficult to obtain legally. Some individuals attempt to bring in up to 70 SIM cards per week, though many fear the risk of arrest at customs—making the entire process both cumbersome and dangerous. Typically, these cards are sourced from Singapore retailers who demand upfront payment and only deliver the goods up to 14 days later.
A common supply chain begins in JB (Johor Bahru), where a supplier dispatches staff to Singapore to collect SIM cards from a “reputable” local retailer. According to one source, Singapore retailers often exhibit a poor attitude, insisting the supplier pay first before handing over the product weeks later. Once the staff secures the SIM cards, they transport them back to Johor Bahru, relying on the fact that “Customs usually don’t check.”
After arriving in Johor Bahru, the supplier keeps the SIM cards unregistered until someone is ready to use them. The supplier can then choose to sell these cards to other intermediaries—such as shops in Kuala Lumpur’s Plaza Low Yatt, which resell them at even higher prices—or directly to a regular client. At the point of activation, the supplier partners with so-called “credential agents,” syndicates that sell personal credentials for SIM registration. There are generally two types of credentials available:
Singapore Work Permit – Continual top-ups can keep the number active indefinitely.
Passport – Grants only one month of usage before expiration.
Credential agents usually charge the equivalent of 80–100 RM (roughly USD 20–25) for work permit details and 120 RM (about USD 30) for passport-based credentials. They acquire this personal data through various means, such as creating fake websites, purchasing directly from legitimate work permit holders in financial need, or even stealing information. Many people sell their credentials knowingly—sometimes because of debt or having been scammed, which pressures them into handing over personal details for quick cash.
Once the supplier obtains the necessary credentials, they register the SIM card and deliver it to the buyer, which can include scam operations. These outfits exploit the activated Singapore SIM numbers—protected by strict local regulations and high resale value—to conduct fraudulent activities. Ultimately, the interplay of high demand, strict regulations, and lucrative payoffs continues to fuel the Singapore SIM card black market.
Why Criminals Buy Black Market SIM Cards
These illegal SIM cards are rarely used for calls or personal use. Instead, they serve as tools for fraud and cybercrime.
1️⃣ OTP (One-Time Password) Fraud
Sean explained that most black-market SIM cards are used to register accounts on messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. These numbers receive OTP codes to verify fake accounts that scammers use for:
Impersonation scams
Phishing and investment fraud
Money laundering via fake banking apps
Coordinating cybercrime anonymously
These SIMs are short-lived, lasting only 1–3 months, after which they are discarded and replaced with new ones. This makes it impossible for authorities to track scam operations effectively.
2️⃣ Scam Syndicates and Human Trafficking
Scam syndicates operating from Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos force trafficking victims to commit online fraud. These scam centers rely on hundreds of anonymous SIMs to evade law enforcement, contact victims, and move money through fraudulent bank accounts.
3️⃣ Identity Theft and Fake Accounts
Many illegally sold SIMs are registered under fake or stolen identities. Fraudsters use these numbers to open bank accounts, create crypto wallets, or conduct money laundering transactions.
4️⃣ Online Gambling and Drug Networks
Anonymous SIMs are also widely used in illegal gambling rings and drug trafficking. These businesses require untraceable communication methods to avoid detection by authorities.
Why the Black Market Thrives: Weak Regulations and Retailer Complicity
Sean admitted that the black market would not exist without the help of retailers who are willing to bend the rules. Many retailers:
Sell pre-registered SIM cards without proper ID checks
Register multiple SIMs under one identity to bypass telecom restrictions
Turn a blind eye to bulk sales to black market dealers
The biggest issue? Telecom companies prioritize sales volume over security, failing to enforce strict monitoring of large-scale SIM activations.
How Governments and Telecoms Can Combat Illegal SIM Sales
Despite the growing problem, Sean acknowledged that authorities could shut down the black market with the right enforcement measures.
1️⃣ Enforce Biometric Registration for SIM Cards
Require face scans or fingerprint verification when activating SIMs.
Ensure every SIM is linked to a verified national ID to prevent fake registrations.
2️⃣ Limit SIM Purchases Per Individual
Restrict purchases to 2 SIMs per person to disrupt bulk registrations.
Track and flag suspicious large-scale activations.
3️⃣ Impose Heavy Fines on Retailers Selling Illegal SIMs
Fine retailers per illegal SIM sold (e.g., $500 per SIM).
Suspend or revoke the licenses of repeat offenders.
Conduct regular spot checks and undercover investigations at retail locations.
4️⃣ Increase Telecom and Messaging Platform Cooperation
WhatsApp, Telegram, and banking apps must work with telecom companies to detect and ban suspicious numbers.
AI-powered behavior analysis should flag numbers used for fraud.
5️⃣ Shut Down Online SIM Rental Services
Many scammers rent OTP verification SIMs through Telegram and the dark web.
Authorities must track and shut down these illicit services.