Mobile phone numbers in Kenya form a very important part of life in day-to-day communications, transactions, and the means through which basic services are gained. To ensure users' security against fraudulent incidents and other forms of crimes, the Communications Authority of Kenya requires all SIM cards to be registered with personal details from users, especially their ID number, in its mobile service providers such as Safaricom. This basically means that many people would wish to know which Safaricom numbers are listed under their ID, and for a good reason; for example, sometimes to be sure that no unauthorized SIM cards have been accredited to your identity.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to check Safaricom numbers registered with your ID and other related information you should know in Kenya.
1. Why You Should Check Safaricom Numbers Registered with Your ID
For the following reasons, it's necessary to check the Safaricom numbers registered with your ID from time to time:
- Fraud prevention: Sometimes, other people may register SIM cards using your ID without your permission. This is risky because such numbers might be used for criminal activities.
- Accounting for a number of handlines: This will help you account for all your numbers and what lies in your name.
- Avoid fines: Kenyan law governs SIM card registrations, and failure to de-register the old or used numbers will attract penalties.
- Have your privacy hold: Your ID might be used to register SIM cards by another person without your permission, and this is a turn of your personal details into the open, checking ensures your identity is secured.
2. How to Check Safaricom Numbers Registered with Your ID
Safaricom has made it easy to check the phone numbers registered under your ID using either USSD or the Safaricom App.
Method 1: Using USSD Code
One of the fastest ways of checking the number registered under your ID is through the use of the USSD code. Here is how to do it:
- Step 1: Dial *106# on your Safaricom line.
- Step 2: Check one of the options: Check my numbers.
- Step 3: It gives a list of all Safaricom numbers registered against your ID.
This list is going to show you all the numbers that have ever been registered in your name, including those that you have forgotten. Those that you do not know or unauthorized have it taken care of.
Method 2: Via MySafaricom App
The MySafaricom App will also provide you with an easy way of checking the numbers registered under your ID. Here is how to do it:
- Step 1: Download and install the MySafaricom App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store if you haven't already.
- Step 2: Log in to the app using your Safaricom number.
- Step 3: Go to the "M-PESA" section, then click "Manage My Account."
- Step 4: Click on "Check My Numbers."
This feature will list all the phone numbers registered to your ID.
3. How to Report Unauthorized Numbers Registered with Your ID
In case you notice unauthorized numbers linked to your ID, Safaricom has an easy way to report and de-register those numbers:
- Step 1: On your Safaricom line, dial *106#, just like earlier.
- Step 2: Choose 2 for Report unknown numbers.
- Step 3: From the list, select the number or numbers you want to report.
- Step 4: Safaricom will initiate the de-registration process for those unauthorized numbers.
You can also visit any Safaricom shop with your identification document to have the suspicious numbers de-registered. Safaricom customer service may investigate the case further and take appropriate action.
4. How to Register or De-register a Safaricom Number
Registering a New Number
Incidentally, you may want to register a new Safaricom number; here you go:
- Visit any Safaricom shop or authorized shop and take along your original ID or passport.
- Fill in the registration form with all your details, including ID number and phone number for which the registration is required.
- Verification by Safaricom will follow, wherein the number will be registered under your name.
De-registering of a Safaricom Number
Should there be any previous or unused numbers that you no longer intend to use, de-register them to avoid any future liabilities in the following ways:
- Dial *106#: You will be guided on how to de-register the numbers you would not want to be associated with anymore.
- Visit a Safaricom shop: If you need more detailed review or there is any need for assistance, visit any Safaricom outlet with your ID and request the de-registration.
5. What to Do If You Lose Your Registered Safaricom Number
The moment you lose your Safaricom SIM card, you need to take the following steps to ensure that some crook doesn't use the number:
- Report the loss: Call 100 to report to Safaricom customer service that your SIM card is lost.
- Block the SIM card: Safaricom can block the number for some time so it will not be misused.
- Replace the SIM card: Take your ID to any Safaricom outlet, and for a small fee, you get a replacement SIM card. Your phone number will be back on the new SIM.
6. Significance of Checking Registered Numbers Regularly
Checking the phone numbers registered under your ID is important for a number of reasons:
- You enhance your security; you cushion yourself from fraud and identity theft by ensuring no unauthorized numbers are linked to your ID.
- You are able to manage your accounts and keep track of all your numbers, especially if you use multiple lines.
- You are in compliance with the regulations set by the Communication Authority of Kenya concerning the registration of SIM cards through regular checks.
7. Precautions to Observe When Registering a Safaricom Number
Following are the precautions one should observe when registering a Safaricom number:
- Provide actual details: The information you provide should actually reflect your ID details to avoid any problem with the registration.
- Guard your ID: Never give out your ID details to an unauthorized individual to prevent fraud cases regarding SIM card registration.
- Be informed about SIM card registration policies: The Government of Kenya and Safaricom usually change some of the policies concerning SIM card registration; it is important to be in the know.
Conclusion
We were able to verify our Safaricom numbers that are registered to our IDs, an easy process that helps us in terms of identity and unauthorized use of our credentials in some instances, made more compact by Safaricom through the use of USSD codes and MySafaricom App. Regular checks will help you stay in control to avoid fraud with your mobile lines. Whether it involves reporting suspicious numbers or managing your lines, Safaricom has set in place tools that ensure you remain compliant and secure in Kenya.