Protect yourself from cell phone porting scams
- Kim Thompson: Better Business Bureau
- April 4, 2018
- 1315
There’s a new scam in town. Con artists are using something called a porting scam (or sometimes port-out scam) to gain access to victims’ personal and financial accounts and log-ins.
Porting scams start with scammers stealing your phone number and service. How is that even possible? First, they get your name, phone number and as much personal information as they can get their hands on. Next, they call your phone company claiming to be you. They tell the company your phone was stolen and request the phone number be ported to another device and provider.
If the cell company complies, scammers gain control of your number. They begin accessing accounts that require authorization via text message. Accounts can include email providers, social networks, invoicing software and even online banking. Once they’ve bypassed that security, scammers can easily steal your identity and/or your money.
Set up two-factor authentication. In many cases you can set up additional verification measures that would prevent a stranger from successfully porting your phone number.
Contact your provider if your phone suddenly stops working. If you can’t make or receive phone calls or text messages, don’t assume there is something wrong with your phone. Use a land line or a friend’s phone to report the problem immediately to your cellular service provider.
Be alert to any signs of phishing. Be wary of any suspicious alerts from your personal or financial accounts or unsolicited requests for two-factor authorization.
Be cautious when sharing personal information. Only share your full name, phone number and other personal information with people and companies that you know and trust.
Learn more about how this scam works in the article “BBB Warns About Cell Phone Porting Scams” found at www.bbb.org/en/us/news.
If you’ve fallen victim to this type of scam, you can help others avoid being scammed by filing a report at www.BBB.org/ScamTracker.
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