Egypt’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) has addressed growing concerns over Egypt mobile ID fraud after some citizens found mobile phone lines registered under their names without their knowledge.
The authority issued a statement on Friday after reports spread on social media. Several people said they had found phone numbers linked to their national IDs even though they did not own or use the lines.
The issue gained wide attention after a court case involving university student Amr Emara. The case raised questions about how a mobile line could be registered under one person’s ID and later appear in a criminal investigation.
Emara said he learned that he had received a 25-year prison sentence in absentia for drug trafficking. He said a phone number registered in his name had been linked to the case.
According to his account, he had registered the mobile line at the request of a friend’s sister. The line was meant to be used to activate some services.
Emara said the line was later transferred to another person without his knowledge. He said he had no idea that the number could later be linked to a criminal case.
His family also said they did not know about the case or any charges against him before the matter came to light.
The case caused concern among members of the public. Some social media users then shared similar reports about phone numbers connected to their IDs.
The NTRA said citizens have the right to complain if they find a mobile line registered in their name that does not belong to them.
The authority said it will review such complaints and check how the line was registered. It will also examine whether the mobile operator followed the required rules.
If the NTRA finds that registration rules were broken, it can take the required action, according to its statement.
The authority also said citizens can contact the relevant investigative authorities if they believe a case involves a serious violation or possible misuse of their identity.
The statement is aimed at giving citizens a way to act if they discover an unknown phone line linked to their IDs. It also places attention on the procedures used by mobile companies when registering phone lines.
Mobile phone registration is linked to personal identity records. This makes correct registration important for both users and telecom operators.
A phone number registered under the wrong person’s name can create serious problems if the number is later used in illegal activity. It may also make it difficult for investigators to identify the person who actually used the line.
The NTRA’s response comes as public concern grows over the protection of personal information. The reports have also raised questions about how customers can check the numbers registered under their names.
The authority’s complaint process gives citizens a way to challenge a line they do not recognize. The NTRA can then check the registration records and determine whether the telecom company followed the proper process.
The case involving Emara has added urgency to the issue. His family said they were not aware of the legal case, while the student said he did not know that the mobile line could later be connected to another person.
The NTRA has not said that every reported case involves fraud. Instead, it has said that complaints will be checked and that action will follow if a violation is confirmed.
Citizens who find an unfamiliar mobile line under their ID can therefore report it to the NTRA. They may also contact investigative authorities when they believe the matter requires further legal action.
The latest statement is likely to reassure people who are concerned about unknown phone lines linked to their identities. It also highlights the need for accurate mobile registration and stronger checks when phone services are issued or transferred.
The NTRA’s review of complaints will show whether registration rules were followed in individual cases. For citizens, the key message is clear: an unknown mobile line registered under their name can be reported and investigated.
