HCMC – Mobile phone numbers that do not match user data stored in the national population database will be deactivated after March 31, according to the Vietnam Telecommunications Authority.

Telecom providers have been required to send daily alerts to users of unverified numbers for five consecutive days so that they can have time to update their information.

Notifications will be given no later than today, March 15, said an agency representative.

Without any updates, unverified numbers will be unable to make outgoing calls or send text messages after 15 days. After 30 days, incoming calls and text messages will be blocked. Mobile carriers will have to terminate unverified numbers after another 30 days, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

The plan is part of the Ministry of Information and Communications’ effort to carry out the national digital transformation strategy for 2022-2025, with a vision for 2023.

The endeavor is expected to enhance management and cope with the recent spike in unexpected phone calls and text messages, especially from scammers.