I. Introduction

A SIM card is no longer a simple telecommunications accessory. In the Philippines, a SIM card is commonly connected to personal identity, mobile banking, e-wallets, one-time passwords, social media accounts, email recovery, government portals, delivery apps, work communications, and personal contacts. Losing a SIM card may therefore create both practical and legal concerns.

When a SIM card is lost, stolen, damaged, misplaced, or otherwise cannot be recovered, the owner may be asked by a telecommunications company, bank, e-wallet provider, government office, or other institution to execute an Affidavit of Loss. This affidavit is a sworn written statement declaring the facts surrounding the loss and affirming that the SIM card can no longer be found despite diligent efforts.

In the Philippine context, an Affidavit of Loss for a SIM card is commonly used to request SIM replacement, retain the same mobile number, support account recovery, explain the loss of access to mobile verification codes, or protect the owner from unauthorized use after the loss.

II. What Is an Affidavit of Loss?

An Affidavit of Loss is a written statement made under oath before a notary public. It states that a particular item, document, card, or object was lost and describes the circumstances of the loss.

For a SIM card, the affidavit usually states:

The identity of the owner or registered user;
The mobile number assigned to the SIM;
The telecom provider;
When and where the SIM was lost, if known;
How the SIM was lost, if known;
Efforts made to locate it;
That the SIM card has not been recovered;
That the affidavit is executed for replacement, blocking, account recovery, or other lawful purpose.

Because the affidavit is notarized, it becomes a public document and carries legal significance. The person signing it swears that the statements are true.

III. Why an Affidavit of Loss May Be Needed for a SIM Card

An Affidavit of Loss may be required or useful for several reasons.

1. SIM Replacement

The most common reason is to request replacement of the lost SIM while retaining the same mobile number. Telecommunications providers may require proof of identity and proof that the SIM was lost before issuing a replacement.

2. Number Recovery

If the lost SIM is tied to a prepaid or postpaid mobile number, the affidavit may help establish the subscriber’s claim to the number.

3. Account Recovery

Many online accounts rely on SMS verification. A lost SIM may prevent the owner from receiving one-time passwords. The affidavit may support requests to recover access to bank accounts, e-wallets, email, social media, or work accounts.

4. Unauthorized Use Protection

If the lost SIM might be used by another person, the affidavit can help document the date and circumstances of loss. This may be relevant if unauthorized transactions, scams, messages, or account access attempts occur after the loss.

5. Blocking or Deactivation

The owner may request the telecom provider to block, deactivate, or suspend the lost SIM to prevent misuse.

6. Compliance With Institutional Requirements

Banks, e-wallets, government offices, employers, schools, or private companies may require an affidavit before changing the registered mobile number or restoring access.

IV. Legal Nature of the Affidavit

An Affidavit of Loss is not, by itself, proof that no unauthorized use occurred. It is not a court judgment, police report, or conclusive finding. It is a sworn declaration by the affiant.

Its legal value lies in the fact that the affiant states facts under oath. If the affidavit contains false statements, the affiant may face legal consequences, including possible liability for perjury or falsification-related concerns depending on the circumstances.

The affidavit should therefore be truthful, accurate, and limited to facts personally known to the affiant.

V. Who May Execute the Affidavit?

The person who should execute the affidavit is usually the registered owner, registered user, or subscriber of the SIM card.

Depending on the situation, the affiant may be:

The person whose name is registered to the SIM;
The postpaid subscriber;
The parent or guardian of a minor user;
A corporate officer for a company-issued SIM;
An authorized representative, if properly documented;
The user who has actual possession and use of the SIM, subject to the provider’s requirements.

For personal SIM cards, the person whose identity is registered with the telecom provider should normally be the affiant.

For corporate SIM cards, the company may require a board resolution, secretary’s certificate, authorization letter, company ID, or other proof of authority.

VI. Important Details to Include

A strong Affidavit of Loss for a SIM card should contain enough details to identify the SIM and explain the loss.

A. Personal Information of the Affiant

The affidavit should include:

Full name;
Age;
Civil status, if required by form;
Nationality;
Address;
Valid government ID details;
Contact information, if appropriate.

B. SIM Card Information

The affidavit should identify the lost SIM by:

Mobile number;
Telecom provider;
Prepaid or postpaid status;
SIM serial number, if known;
Account number, if postpaid;
Type of SIM, such as physical SIM or eSIM, if relevant.

If the SIM serial number is unknown, the mobile number and provider may be enough for practical purposes, subject to the requirements of the telecom provider.

C. Circumstances of Loss

The affidavit should state:

Date of loss;
Approximate time, if known;
Place of loss, if known;
How the loss happened;
Whether the phone itself was lost or only the SIM card;
Whether the SIM was inside a lost phone;
Whether the SIM was stolen, misplaced, damaged, or accidentally discarded.

If the exact date or place is unknown, the affidavit may say “on or about” a certain date and explain when the loss was discovered.

D. Efforts to Locate the SIM

The affidavit should mention efforts to recover the SIM, such as:

Searching personal belongings;
Checking the place where it may have been lost;
Asking household members, coworkers, or staff;
Contacting the establishment where the loss occurred;
Attempting to locate the phone;
Calling the number;
Checking whether the number is still active.

E. Statement That the SIM Has Not Been Recovered

The affidavit should clearly state that despite diligent efforts, the SIM card could no longer be found.

F. Purpose of the Affidavit

The affidavit should state why it is being executed, such as:

For SIM replacement;
For retention of the same number;
For blocking or deactivation;
For account recovery;
For submission to a bank, e-wallet, employer, school, or government office;
For whatever lawful purpose it may serve.

VII. Sample Structure of an Affidavit of Loss for SIM Card

A typical affidavit follows this structure:

Title;
Affiant’s personal details;
Statement of ownership or registration;
Identification of the SIM card and mobile number;
Facts of loss;
Efforts to recover;
Statement that the SIM remains lost;
Purpose of execution;
Signature of affiant;
Jurat or notarial acknowledgment.

The affidavit should be signed in the presence of the notary public.

VIII. Sample Affidavit of Loss for SIM Card

Below is a general sample. It should be adjusted to fit the actual facts.

AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS

I, [Full Name], of legal age, Filipino, [civil status], and residing at [complete address], after having been duly sworn in accordance with law, hereby depose and state:

That I am the registered owner/user of a SIM card issued by [Telecommunications Provider] with mobile number [mobile number];
That said SIM card was used by me for personal communication and for receiving calls, text messages, and verification codes;
That on or about [date], at or near [place, if known], I discovered that the said SIM card was missing/lost;
That the said SIM card was [state circumstances: inside my mobile phone which was lost / removed from my phone and misplaced / accidentally discarded / stolen together with my phone / otherwise lost];
That I exerted diligent efforts to locate and recover the SIM card, including [briefly describe efforts], but despite such efforts, the SIM card could no longer be found;
That I have not transferred, sold, assigned, or voluntarily given the said SIM card to any other person;
That I am executing this affidavit to attest to the loss of the said SIM card and to request [replacement of the SIM card / retention of the same mobile number / blocking or deactivation / account recovery / submission to the concerned institution], and for all other lawful purposes.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ___ day of __________ 20__ at [City/Municipality], Philippines.

[Full Name] Affiant

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this ___ day of __________ 20__ at [City/Municipality], Philippines, affiant exhibiting to me competent evidence of identity: [ID type and number] issued on [date] at [place].

Doc. No. ___; Page No. ___; Book No. _; Series of 20.

IX. When the SIM Was Lost Together With the Phone

If the SIM was inside a lost or stolen phone, the affidavit should say so clearly. This matters because the lost device may contain personal data, apps, accounts, photos, messages, and financial access.

The affidavit may include:

Brand and model of the phone;
IMEI number, if known;
Date and place of loss;
Whether the phone was stolen or merely misplaced;
Whether the phone had screen lock or security protection;
Whether the SIM was active at the time of loss.

If the phone was stolen, a police report may also be useful, especially for insurance, employer documentation, or serious unauthorized access concerns.

X. When the SIM Was Stolen

If the SIM card was stolen, the affidavit should avoid vague statements. It should describe what happened as accurately as possible.

Examples:

“My bag containing my mobile phone and SIM card was stolen while I was at [place].”
“My phone was taken from my pocket while I was commuting.”
“My phone was stolen from my vehicle.”
“The SIM card was removed from my possession without my consent.”

Where theft is involved, a police blotter or police report may be advisable. The affidavit of loss and police report serve different purposes. The affidavit is a sworn statement by the owner, while the police report documents that the matter was reported to authorities.

XI. When the SIM Was Damaged Rather Than Lost

Sometimes the SIM is not lost but damaged, unreadable, broken, or defective. In that case, an Affidavit of Loss may not be the most accurate document. The proper document may be an affidavit of damage, affidavit of defective SIM, or simply a replacement request.

The affidavit should not falsely state that the SIM was lost if it is merely damaged. If the SIM is physically available but unusable, the statement should say that it was damaged and can no longer be used.

Accuracy is important because affidavits are sworn documents.

XII. When the SIM Is an eSIM

An eSIM is not a removable physical SIM card. If the problem involves loss of access to an eSIM because the phone was lost, stolen, reset, damaged, or replaced, the affidavit should describe the loss of the device or access credentials rather than pretending that a physical card was lost.

The affidavit may state:

The eSIM was installed on a particular device;
The device was lost, stolen, damaged, or reset;
The affiant lost access to the eSIM and mobile number;
The affidavit is executed to request eSIM reactivation, replacement, or transfer to a new device.

Telecom providers may have specific requirements for eSIM replacement.

XIII. SIM Registration Considerations

In the Philippines, SIM registration links a SIM card to the identity of the user. This makes the Affidavit of Loss more important because the mobile number may be associated with a registered individual.

When requesting replacement, the provider may verify:

Registered name;
Valid ID;
Date of birth;
Address;
Registration information;
Ownership or use of the number;
Recent load or transaction history;
Postpaid account details;
Security questions;
Proof of possession or prior use.

If the SIM was registered under another person’s name, replacement may be difficult. The registered person may need to appear personally or execute appropriate authorization, depending on provider rules.

XIV. Requirements Commonly Requested for SIM Replacement

Requirements may vary, but the following are commonly asked:

Original valid government-issued ID;
Photocopy of ID;
Affidavit of Loss;
Proof of ownership or use of the number;
SIM bed or SIM card holder, if available;
Recent load receipt, if prepaid;
Postpaid account details, if postpaid;
Authorization letter, if representative is applying;
Company authorization, for corporate accounts;
Police report, if theft is involved;
Personal appearance, especially for registered SIM replacement.

The telecom provider may impose additional verification to prevent fraudulent SIM replacement.

XV. Importance of Blocking the Lost SIM

A lost SIM can be misused. The owner should consider immediately contacting the telecom provider to block, suspend, or deactivate the SIM pending replacement.

This is especially important if the number is linked to:

Bank accounts;
E-wallets;
Online shopping apps;
Social media accounts;
Email recovery;
Work systems;
Government portals;
Two-factor authentication;
Messaging apps;
Cryptocurrency or investment platforms.

Blocking the SIM reduces the risk that another person may receive OTPs or impersonate the owner.

XVI. Financial and Cybersecurity Risks

A lost SIM creates cybersecurity risks because many services use SMS as an authentication method.

Possible risks include:

Unauthorized bank logins;
E-wallet access;
Password resets;
Social media takeover;
Email recovery abuse;
Scam messages sent using the number;
Identity theft;
Fraudulent loan or credit applications;
Unauthorized purchases;
SIM swap-related fraud;
Impersonation of the owner.

After losing a SIM, the owner should secure important accounts immediately.

XVII. Immediate Practical Steps After Losing a SIM

The owner should act promptly.

Contact the telecom provider and request temporary blocking or replacement.
Change passwords for accounts linked to the number.
Remove the number from sensitive accounts if replacement will be delayed.
Notify banks and e-wallet providers.
Monitor accounts for suspicious activity.
Report unauthorized transactions immediately.
Prepare an Affidavit of Loss if required.
Secure a police report if the SIM or phone was stolen.
Replace the SIM only through official channels.
Keep proof of all reports and requests.

Prompt action helps reduce legal and financial risk.

XVIII. Affidavit of Loss Versus Police Report

An Affidavit of Loss and a police report are different documents.

Affidavit of Loss

Prepared and signed by the owner;
Sworn before a notary public;
States facts of loss;
Used for replacement, blocking, recovery, or institutional requirements.

Police Report or Blotter

Made before law enforcement authorities;
Documents that the incident was reported;
Useful when theft, robbery, snatching, fraud, or unauthorized use is involved;
May be required for insurance, employer reporting, or criminal investigation.

For simple misplacement, an affidavit may be enough. For theft or fraud, both may be advisable.

XIX. Affidavit of Loss Versus Authorization Letter

An Affidavit of Loss states that the SIM was lost. An authorization letter allows another person to act on behalf of the owner.

If the owner cannot personally go to the telecom provider, the provider may require:

Affidavit of Loss;
Authorization letter;
Valid ID of the owner;
Valid ID of the representative;
Possibly a notarized special power of attorney for more sensitive transactions.

Because SIM replacement can affect security, some providers may require personal appearance and refuse representative processing.

XX. Can Someone Else Use the Affidavit to Claim the SIM?

Telecom providers should not issue a replacement SIM merely because someone presents an affidavit. The provider should verify identity and registration details.

However, because SIM replacement can be abused, the owner should protect personal information. Copies of IDs and affidavits should be submitted only to legitimate institutions. Avoid sending documents to unknown persons or unofficial channels.

XXI. False Affidavit of Loss

Executing a false Affidavit of Loss is serious.

Examples of false statements include:

Claiming a SIM was lost when it was sold or given away;
Claiming ownership of a number registered to another person;
Using an affidavit to take over another person’s SIM;
Hiding the fact that the SIM is being disputed;
Misrepresenting theft or loss to avoid liability;
Using a false affidavit for fraudulent account recovery.

Because the affidavit is sworn, false statements may expose the affiant to legal consequences.

XXII. Affidavit for Lost SIM Used in Banking or E-Wallets

If the lost SIM is linked to bank or e-wallet accounts, the affidavit may be used to support:

Change of registered mobile number;
Account recovery;
Temporary account freeze;
Dispute of unauthorized transactions;
Updating customer records;
Restoration of OTP access;
Investigation of fraud.

However, banks and e-wallet providers usually require their own verification procedures. An affidavit alone may not be enough.

The account holder should immediately notify the bank or e-wallet provider of the loss and request protective measures.

XXIII. Unauthorized Transactions After SIM Loss

If unauthorized transactions occur after the SIM is lost, the affidavit may help establish when the owner lost possession or access.

Important evidence includes:

Date and time of loss;
Date and time of blocking request;
Messages to telecom provider;
Bank or e-wallet reports;
Police report;
Screenshots of unauthorized transactions;
Email alerts;
Customer service reference numbers.

The owner should act quickly. Delay in reporting may affect the institution’s evaluation of liability.

XXIV. Lost SIM and Identity Theft

A lost SIM may be part of identity theft or account takeover. The owner should watch for signs such as:

Sudden loss of signal;
Unknown password reset notifications;
Messages from contacts about strange requests;
Unauthorized bank alerts;
New device login notices;
Account recovery emails;
Calls from lenders or collectors about unknown accounts.

If these occur, the owner should report to the concerned provider and consider filing appropriate complaints.

XXV. Use in Employment or Company-Issued SIMs

For company-issued SIM cards, the employer may require an affidavit to document the loss and determine accountability.

The affidavit may include:

Company name;
Assigned mobile number;
Device or SIM issued to employee;
Date of issuance;
Circumstances of loss;
Whether the loss occurred during work or personal use;
Steps taken to report the loss;
Undertaking to cooperate in replacement or investigation.

The employee should be truthful. If the loss involved negligence, theft, or unavoidable circumstances, the facts should be stated accurately.

XXVI. Lost SIM of a Minor

If the SIM is registered to a minor or used by a minor, a parent or guardian may need to assist.

The affidavit may be executed by:

The parent or guardian if the SIM is registered under the parent’s name;
The registered owner if different;
The minor with guardian assistance, depending on institutional requirements.

Because SIM registration and replacement involve identity verification, the telecom provider’s rules should be followed.

XXVII. Lost SIM Registered Under Another Person’s Name

This is a common problem. A person may have used a SIM for years even though it was registered under a parent, spouse, sibling, former employee, company, or seller.

If the SIM is not registered under the user’s name, replacement may be denied or delayed.

Possible solutions include:

The registered owner personally requests replacement;
The registered owner executes authorization, if accepted;
The user changes registered mobile number in banks and apps;
The user obtains a new SIM under their own name;
The parties update registration records if allowed.

An Affidavit of Loss by the non-registered user may not be enough to recover the number.

XXVIII. Lost SIM Purchased From an Informal Seller

If a SIM was bought from an informal seller and registered under another person’s identity, the user may face difficulty proving ownership. This also raises compliance and security concerns.

The safest approach is to use only SIM cards properly registered under the actual user’s identity.

If the SIM cannot be recovered, the user should secure accounts linked to the number and update contact details.

XXIX. Notarization Requirements

An Affidavit of Loss should be notarized by a duly commissioned notary public.

The affiant usually needs to appear personally and present competent evidence of identity, such as a valid government ID. The notary will record the document in the notarial register.

A document called an “affidavit” but not notarized may be treated merely as a private statement and may not be accepted by institutions requiring a sworn affidavit.

XXX. Cost of Notarization

Notarial fees vary depending on location, document preparation, and notary office. Some people prepare the affidavit themselves and pay only for notarization, while others ask the notary office to draft the document.

The affiant should review the affidavit carefully before signing. The notary should not notarize a document that the affiant has not personally signed or acknowledged.

XXXI. Where to Get an Affidavit of Loss

An Affidavit of Loss may be prepared by:

A lawyer;
A notary public’s office;
A legal aid office;
The affiant using a template, subject to review;
Some institutional help desks, depending on practice.

The important point is that the final document must accurately reflect the facts and be properly notarized.

XXXII. Common Mistakes in Affidavits of Loss for SIM Cards

Common mistakes include:

Stating the wrong mobile number.
Failing to identify the telecom provider.
Claiming ownership when the SIM is registered to someone else.
Saying the SIM was stolen without basis.
Omitting the date of loss or discovery.
Using vague statements such as “lost somewhere.”
Failing to state efforts to recover.
Forgetting the purpose of the affidavit.
Signing without reviewing.
Submitting an unsigned or unnotarized copy.
Using inconsistent facts in the affidavit and provider forms.
Not blocking the SIM immediately.
Not informing banks or e-wallets.

Accuracy and consistency matter.

XXXIII. Best Practices in Drafting

A good Affidavit of Loss should be:

Truthful;
Specific;
Concise;
Consistent with other reports;
Limited to personal knowledge;
Free from exaggeration;
Clear about the purpose;
Supported by ID and relevant documents.

Avoid speculative statements. For example, if the affiant does not know whether the SIM was stolen or misplaced, it is better to say “lost” or “missing” rather than “stolen.”

XXXIV. If the Lost SIM Is Later Found

If the lost SIM is later recovered after replacement, the owner should not use both SIMs if doing so violates provider rules or creates security risk.

The owner should:

Inform the telecom provider, if necessary;
Destroy or surrender the old SIM if deactivated;
Avoid giving it to another person;
Ensure only the valid replacement SIM remains active;
Check accounts for suspicious activity.

If an affidavit was submitted and the SIM is later found, that does not necessarily mean the affidavit was false if the loss was true at the time it was executed. However, the owner should avoid using the recovered SIM improperly.

XXXV. Data Privacy Considerations

An Affidavit of Loss may contain personal data, including name, address, ID number, mobile number, and signature. Copies should be handled carefully.

The owner should:

Submit only to legitimate recipients;
Avoid posting the affidavit online;
Redact unnecessary details when possible;
Keep a record of where copies were submitted;
Avoid sending ID copies through unsecured channels;
Follow institutional privacy instructions.

Because the mobile number may be linked to sensitive accounts, confidentiality is important.

XXXVI. When a Telecom Provider Refuses Replacement

A telecom provider may refuse replacement if:

Identity cannot be verified;
The SIM is registered to another person;
The number is inactive or expired;
Documents are incomplete;
There is suspected fraud;
The account has unresolved issues;
A representative lacks authority;
The provider’s retention period or number recycling rules have applied.

If replacement is refused, the subscriber may request a written explanation and ask what documents are needed. If the issue remains unresolved, the subscriber may escalate through the provider’s customer service, regulatory complaint channels, or appropriate legal remedies.

XXXVII. Lost Prepaid SIM Versus Lost Postpaid SIM

A. Prepaid SIM

For prepaid SIMs, proof of ownership may be harder if the user has no billing records. Helpful evidence may include:

SIM bed;
Recent load receipts;
GCash or e-wallet link;
Registration confirmation;
Frequently contacted numbers;
Valid ID matching registration;
Proof of prior use.

B. Postpaid SIM

For postpaid SIMs, account records usually identify the subscriber. Replacement may require:

Account holder’s valid ID;
Account number;
Payment status;
Authorization if processed by a representative;
Affidavit of Loss, if required.

Postpaid replacement may be easier if the account is current and the subscriber appears personally.

XXXVIII. Lost SIM and Expired or Inactive Number

If the lost SIM has been inactive for a long time, the number may have expired, been deactivated, or become subject to recycling under provider rules.

An Affidavit of Loss does not automatically restore an expired number. The provider’s policies and technical availability will matter.

The owner should act quickly after loss to preserve the number.

XXXIX. Evidentiary Use in Future Disputes

The affidavit may become useful later if a dispute arises about:

Unauthorized messages sent from the number;
Fraudulent OTP use;
Account takeover;
Unrecognized bank transactions;
Identity theft;
Employer-issued device loss;
Timing of loss;
Whether the owner acted promptly.

The affidavit should therefore be accurate about the timeline. An incorrect date may cause problems later.

XL. Practical Checklist Before Notarization

Before signing and notarizing, check:

Correct full name;
Correct address;
Correct mobile number;
Correct telecom provider;
Correct date of loss or discovery;
Accurate place of loss, if known;
Accurate description of circumstances;
Efforts to recover are stated;
Purpose is clearly stated;
ID details are correct;
No false statement is included;
All blanks are completed;
Affiant signs before the notary;
Notarial details are complete.

XLI. Practical Checklist After Notarization

After notarization, the owner should:

Keep the original affidavit;
Prepare photocopies or scanned copies;
Submit only to legitimate recipients;
Ask for receiving copies or reference numbers;
Contact the telecom provider for blocking or replacement;
Notify banks, e-wallets, and sensitive accounts;
Change passwords and authentication settings;
Monitor accounts;
Keep customer service ticket numbers;
Store the replacement SIM securely.

XLII. Sample Clause for Lost SIM With Unauthorized Use Concern

If there is concern about unauthorized use, the affidavit may include a clause such as:

“I further state that after discovering the loss of the said SIM card, I took steps to report the matter to the concerned telecommunications provider and to prevent unauthorized use of the number. I execute this affidavit to document the loss and to support my request for replacement, blocking, and protection of accounts linked to the said mobile number.”

This should be included only if true.

XLIII. Sample Clause for SIM Lost With Mobile Phone

If the SIM was inside a phone, the affidavit may include:

“The said SIM card was inserted in my mobile phone, described as [brand/model], which was lost on or about [date] at [place]. Since the SIM card was inside the said device at the time of loss, I also lost possession and control of the SIM card and mobile number.”

This helps explain why the SIM itself cannot be produced.

XLIV. Sample Clause for eSIM

For eSIM, the affidavit may include:

“The mobile number [number] was assigned to an eSIM installed on my device, [brand/model]. When the said device was lost/damaged/reset on or about [date], I lost access to the eSIM and can no longer use the mobile number through that device. I execute this affidavit to request reactivation, replacement, or transfer of the eSIM to a new device.”

This avoids inaccurate references to a missing physical SIM.

XLV. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is an Affidavit of Loss always required for SIM replacement?

Not always. Requirements vary depending on the telecom provider, account type, and circumstances. However, it is commonly requested, especially when the subscriber wants to retain the same number.

2. Can I make my own Affidavit of Loss?

Yes. You may draft your own affidavit, but it must be accurate and notarized if a sworn affidavit is required.

3. Does the affidavit need to be notarized?

Usually, yes. Without notarization, it may not be accepted as an affidavit.

4. What ID do I need?

A valid government-issued ID is commonly required for notarization and SIM replacement.

5. What if I do not remember exactly when I lost the SIM?

You may state “on or about” the approximate date and explain when you discovered the loss. Do not invent an exact date.

6. What if the SIM is registered under another person’s name?

The registered owner may need to request the replacement. Your affidavit alone may not be sufficient.

7. What if my phone was stolen with the SIM inside?

State that in the affidavit and consider obtaining a police report.

8. Can I use an Affidavit of Loss to recover my mobile number?

It may support the request, but the telecom provider will still verify identity and eligibility.

9. Can a false affidavit cause legal problems?

Yes. An affidavit is sworn. False statements may lead to legal liability.

10. What should I do first: affidavit or blocking?

Blocking should be done as soon as possible. The affidavit can follow if required for replacement or documentation.

11. Should I notify my bank or e-wallet provider?

Yes, especially if the lost SIM receives OTPs or is linked to financial accounts.

12. Can I still recover the number if the SIM has been inactive for months?

Possibly, but it depends on provider rules and whether the number has expired or been recycled.

13. Is a police report better than an affidavit?

They serve different purposes. A police report is useful for theft or fraud. An affidavit is commonly used for replacement and sworn declaration of loss.

14. Can I submit a digital copy?

Some institutions may accept scanned copies initially, but many still require the original or a notarized hard copy.

15. What if I later find the lost SIM?

Inform the provider if necessary and avoid using a deactivated or replaced SIM improperly.

XLVI. Conclusion

An Affidavit of Loss for a SIM card in the Philippines is a practical and legally significant document. It helps the registered user explain the loss of the SIM, request replacement or blocking, recover access to a mobile number, and support account recovery with banks, e-wallets, employers, or other institutions.

Because mobile numbers are now closely tied to identity, financial access, and digital security, the loss of a SIM should be treated seriously. The owner should act promptly: block the lost SIM, secure linked accounts, notify financial institutions, prepare a truthful affidavit if required, and keep records of all reports and requests.

The affidavit should be accurate, specific, and properly notarized. It should not exaggerate or misstate facts. Used correctly, it helps protect the owner’s rights, supports replacement or recovery, and creates a clear record of the loss for future reference.