New Mobile Banking Rules Aim to Curb 'Horse' Accounts

[webfact]

 

Starting 27 May, users of mobile banking services in Thailand must ensure that the name registered with their SIM card matches the name on their bank account. This crackdown targets over a million "mule accounts," used fraudulently. 

 

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTTC) advises users to dial *179*ID number# to verify their registration details. If the names do not align, mobile banking services will be blocked until corrections are made at a service centre.

 

Previously, it was possible to have a bank account registered under one name and use a SIM card registered under another name. However, due to increasing incidents of "mule accounts" and fraudulent activities, the government has introduced new regulations.

 

Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Mr. Prasert Chanratwongthong, emphasised that these measures are essential for curbing financial fraud. If mismatches are detected, a notification will be sent through mobile banking apps, advising users to rectify the information. If not corrected within the given timeframe, the bank account remains usable, but mobile banking services will be inaccessible.

 

 

 

Currently, Thailand has 106 million mobile banking accounts, with an estimated 30 million having mismatched registration details. The government aims to shut down about 100,000 mule accounts each month through these measures.

 

General Nathorn Phosunsorn, head of NBTTC’s legal committee, stated that the agency will review and match data from commercial banks and the Anti-Money Laundering Office to identify discrepancies. The entire verification process is set to be completed within 120 days.

 

Thus, mobile operators, banks, and NBTTC are jointly working to notify and update account details to prevent fraudulent activities effectively. The government is determined to tighten security and protect citizens from online crimes.

 

Picture courtesy: Bangkokbiznews

 

-- 2024-05-27

 

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[Georgealbert]

Seems there is an u-turn already.

 

“Anyone using a name on a number that doesn't match their account today doesn't have to worry. NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission) explains that the new rules have not been implemented yet. Also request more time to coordinate with AMLO (Anti-Money Laundering Office), and network service providers and revealed there will be exceptions.

 

From the news that on 27 May various banks will start using new rules. that the assigned phone number used to connect to the bank account, must be the name of the person who activated the service or registered as the owner of the SIM card.

Last night, the NBTC issued an announcement explaining the matter, stating that “Office of the Broadcasting Commission Television business and the National Telecommunications Commission (NBTC Office) would like to clarify that the news about screening mobile banking numbers (SIM cards) linked to bank accounts, is currently only a process in progress.”

 

Translated from link.

 

https://workpointnews.com/around/news/N88UOKP

Edited May 27 by Georgealbert

[ballpoint]

The SIM in my phone has been registered in my wife's name ever since SIM cards became a thing around 30 years ago and we went from our old SIMless brick phone at the time to the new tech.  Sure, the card itself has changed size and shape over the years, but the registration name stayed the same. Looks like we'll finally be changing it - if I get this notification.

[Jenkins9039]

Yeah concerning - i stopped having contracts around 2018 in my own name, just had a internet sim on the wives account (same as various cctv internet sims) costs about 150 baht a month opposed to 600-700 as i don't use the phone for calls...

What details do we need to register/transfer the sim to my name these days?

[smedly]

15 minutes ago, Jenkins9039 said:

What details do we need to register/transfer the sim to my name these days?

passport

[watchcat]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Starting 27 May, users of mobile banking services in Thailand must ensure that the name registered with their SIM card matches the name on their bank account. This crackdown targets over a million "mule accounts," used fraudulently. 

 

Will these accounts be used by "agents" for immigration as well, or are they only for mobile use?

[webfact]

Thai mobile banking sim names & accounts must match or else
by Nattapong Westwood 

 

Image from IDFC First Bank

Starting tomorrow, individuals using mobile banking in Thailand must ensure that the name registered on their mobile SIM card matches the name on their bank account. Failure to comply will result in the suspension of their mobile banking services.

 

Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society announced a new measure aimed at curbing fraudulent bank accounts and SIM cards, commonly referred to as mule accounts and ghost SIMs.

 

The government set today as the deadline for users to ensure that their mobile banking account names match their registered SIM card names.

 

If discrepancies are found, users will be notified via their mobile banking app to visit a service centre and update their information. Accounts with mismatched information will have their services suspended until the issue is resolved.

Digital Economy and Society Minister, Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn explained that in the past, bank accounts could be linked to mobile numbers or SIM cards that did not match the account holder’s name.

 

However, the rise in fraudulent activities involving mule accounts and ghost SIMs has led the government to implement stricter measures.

 

 

 

Unmatched names

 

Currently, Thailand has 106 million mobile banking accounts, with approximately 30 million of these accounts having names that do not match the registered SIM card names.

 

The new regulation aims to shut down or suspend around 100,000 mule accounts each month, with an estimated one million mule accounts currently in the system.

 

Chaiwut also mentioned plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Commerce to tackle corporate mule accounts, as criminals are now using both individual and corporate accounts for fraudulent activities.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) advises the public to verify that their mobile banking number matches their bank account name. This measure is part of a broader effort to combat ghost SIMs and ensure secure online money transfers.

 

Starting tomorrow, relevant agencies will begin screening accounts. If a SIM card holder’s name does not match the bank account holder’s name, they will be notified to either update their SIM card information or register a new number under their name.

 

Exceptions will be made for cases where mobile banking is set up for minors or elder parents.

Update information

 

Failure to update the information within the specified timeframe will result in the suspension of services, though the bank account itself will remain functional.

 

For new mobile banking accounts, banks will now be required to verify that the account holder’s name matches the mobile number owner’s name.

 

The NBTC has provided a simple method for users to check if their details are accurate. By dialling 179 followed by their ID card number and pressing call, users can quickly verify whether their mobile banking name matches their SIM card registration.

 

This initiative aims to eliminate ghost SIMs that are often used by criminals, leveraging the NBTC’s authority without the need for lengthy legal procedures.

 

Ensuring that bank account holders and mobile banking number owners are the same person will make it significantly harder for criminals to operate, thereby reducing the prevalence of mule accounts and ghost SIMs, reported Khaosod.

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-27

 

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[MeaMaximaCulpa]

I also have a sim in my wife's name, since I was not allowed to have one in my name, unless I had a work permit.

 

Has that changed now? If not, I cannot register for mobile banking, which I was considering doing.

[happysoul]

"The proof of the pudding is in the eating"... Let's see how this goes but I'm not really optimistic about it. I have a feel, as often with measures to counter criminals, it will just be a hassle for normal people and criminals will find a way to counter it.

 

And it starts now with the above case. I was in that situation but changed the information to my name when I did it for the kids (so I can control the 3 numbers in the AIS app).

 

6 minutes ago, MeaMaximaCulpa said:

I also have a sim in my wife's name, since I was not allowed to have one in my name, unless I had a work permit.

 

Has that changed now? If not, I cannot register for mobile banking, which I was considering doing.

I think you can if AIS (don't know about other providers). I did it last year and I have no work permit.

[Georgealbert]

From Thai examiner.
 

“If the name on your SIM card and the name on your mobile banking do not match, your mobile banking will still work today, according to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC).

 

Banks and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) are still gathering information on mobile banking users to check if the names on the applications match those on the SIM cards to prevent ghost SIM cards and mule accounts.

 

The banks and AMLO will then pass on the information to the NBTC, which will send it to telecom providers to check the names before forwarding it back to the NBTC. AMLO stated that if there are probable reasons for the names not matching, such as a person having activated mobile banking for their child or elderly parents, the banks will decide whether the users can continue to use the service.

 

The NBTC will meet with telecom providers soon to find ways to make it easier for people who need to change the name on their SIM cards to match those on their mobile banking accounts.“

NBTC announcement and my translation.

 

 

[KannikaP]

I can log into my Bangkok Bank mobile app on a phone with my UK O2 SIM card, or on a phone without ANY SIM card.

[Georgealbert]

37 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

I can log into my Bangkok Bank mobile app on a phone with my UK O2 SIM card, or on a phone without ANY SIM card.

Yes so can everyone at present, you clearly fail to understand that this is a proposed change, i.e. in the future!

 

If the telephone you used to set up mobile banking is not in the same name as the bank account, they are looking to block/close down accounts.

 

The details are in the posts above.

Edited May 27 by Georgealbert

[lordgrinz]

Another half-baked idea put in place before it was ready, amazing Thailand! 

[KannikaP]

9 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

Yes so can everyone at present, you clearly fail to understand that this is a proposed change, i.e. in the future!

 

If the telephone you used to set up mobile banking is not in the same name as the bank account, they are looking to block/close down accounts.

 

The details are in the posts above.

Starting tomorrow, individuals using mobile banking in Thailand must ensure that the name registered on their mobile SIM card matches the name on their bank account.

[Georgealbert]

20 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

Starting tomorrow, individuals using mobile banking in Thailand must ensure that the name registered on their mobile SIM card matches the name on their bank account.

You need to do more than cherry pick one sentence, read the thread.
 

There is clearly posted a ‘back track’ by the NBTC, I even posted the official announcement and a translation, that the change is not starting today, but in the future.
 

I and others have posted the facts and details, what we cannot do is make you understand!

Edited May 27 by Georgealbert

[IamNoone88]

This will be a huge mess for honest citizens.

[Caldera]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTTC) advises users to dial *179*ID number# to verify their registration details.

 

That USSD code works well with a passport number that might contain letters. NOT.

 

I duly registered my SIM card in my name, presenting my passport at the time. But unlike with the banks, I've never updated my passport number with my mobile phone provider whenever I got a new passport.

 

That will be another "fun" thing to deal with, I'd suspect...

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTTC) advises users to dial *179*ID number# to verify their registration details. If the names do not align, mobile banking services will be blocked until corrections are made at a service centre

A start in the right direction.

[cnx101]

Doesn’t effect me I don’t bet on horses

[misterphil]

My AIS SIM has been in my wife's name for over 10 years.
 

I just topped up my AIS SIM from my Kasikorn app with no problem.  

[alanrchase]

2 hours ago, MeaMaximaCulpa said:

I also have a sim in my wife's name, since I was not allowed to have one in my name, unless I had a work permit.

 

Has that changed now? If not, I cannot register for mobile banking, which I was considering doing.

There has never been a requirement to have a work permit to register a SIM card. I bought my SIM years before they required registration and simply went to the AIS shop to register it when they made it a requirement. Bought a one year internet SIM just over a year ago and they registered it in the shop. Just bought a replacement one year internet SIM and registered it online.

[Roel]

So now these mules have to open a bank account AND buy a SIM-card! Smart.

I really hope this doesn’t get implemented. Otherwise, I’ll probably be forced to confirm my identity with an app that, of course, won’t work. After struggling for a few days, I finally get through, only to find out it only accepts Thai ID card numbers. So, I head to the bank, where an employee has to consult their supervisor, who also has no clue what to do. They point me back to the app, and that’s when my wife has to step in to explain that foreigners can’t use it. The bank staff then call Customer Support in Bangkok, and after a 45-minute wait, they hand me their phone with a big smile, saying, "Speak Englit." You get the idea.

[trevoromgh]

Oh gawd.  Another thing to worry about but should not 'in theory' affect me as don't use mobile banking apps but I do use online internet banking via my PC & Laptop and the mobile is just used to receive OTP passwords which I 'assume' are unaffected?   Would be grateful if someone can advise me if they are they are impacted in this respect.  Cheers.

[transam]

2 hours ago, MeaMaximaCulpa said:

I also have a sim in my wife's name, since I was not allowed to have one in my name, unless I had a work permit.

 

Has that changed now? If not, I cannot register for mobile banking, which I was considering doing.

I have never had a work permit, I just bought a new phone number, went to AIS to register it, no ploblem....😋

[John Drake]

Have my sim in my wife's name. If they take away mobile banking it will not matter much with Bangkok Bank, because they still have plenty of ATMs, online banking, and many branches. But SCB will become all but useless--closed all the branches around me, no online banking, and only one ATM about 1km away.

[transam]

Seems the dots are now beginning to line up to sort dodgy stuff.......🤔

[Tropicalevo]

I am not sure how this will affect Business accounts.

Luckily I do not use phone apps, but I know lots of others who do use them for their business.

[Chalong circle]

have the same phone number for 20 years, but new passport with letters as well as numbers. So what we do now ? Buy a new sim and get it registered by the bank ? 

[lineofentry]

My Thai wife is mostly UK resident with UK SIM. So that's it, can't use her Thai bank? Sounds like ****

[freeworld]

11 minutes ago, Chalong circle said:

have the same phone number for 20 years, but new passport with letters as well as numbers. So what we do now ? Buy a new sim and get it registered by the bank ? 

Nope, go to the network provider and register the sim cards in ones own name which should match the details for the bank accounts.