Vietnam Mandates Mobile Subscriber Verification to Combat Fraud

Starting April 15, 2026, Vietnam will enforce a mandatory verification of mobile subscriber information nationwide, a crucial step aimed at ensuring the accuracy of user data and curbing the proliferation of "SIM junk" and high-tech fraud. This directive, outlined in Circular 08/2026/TT-BKHCN issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology, requires all mobile users to confirm their registered phone numbers via the VNeID application.

Users will receive notifications within the VNeID app to review and verify the list of phone numbers registered under their personal information. They must confirm which numbers they are actively using and which are no longer in use to complete the verification process. However, not all subscribers need to repeat this procedure. Individuals who already possess a level 2 VNeID account with information matching the National Population Database, or those who registered their SIM using a chip-enabled citizen ID card and have not altered their details or devices, will be exempt from re-verification.

Despite these exemptions, several user groups are required to undergo verification. This includes subscribers with incomplete or mismatched information compared to national population data, and users who registered with a 9-digit ID card must update to a chip-enabled citizen ID card post-verification. Furthermore, new SIM card registrants must undergo verification from the outset. Subscribers who change their personal information or switch devices will also need to re-verify their details. Failure to comply with the verification requirements or confirm numbers on VNeID by the stipulated deadlines could lead to phased service suspension, eventually progressing to number revocation if information is not updated accordingly, posing a significant risk of communication disruption or loss of phone numbers.