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Monday, February 5, 2018

NEW SCAM- Phone Number Port Out Scam


A new scam has emerged that thieves have been using to steal money from consumers. Called the Port Out Scam, it steals your phone number, transfers it to a different cell phone service provider, then uses it to take money from your bank accounts or make purchases using your bank or credit card accounts.

In this scam, the scammer takes advantage of your ability to change phone carriers and keep your old phone number, called porting in the industry. The reason scammers want to do the porting is to get around two factor authentication. Security experts have been encouraging the public to use two factor authentication to safe guard online transactions. Two factor authentication works like this; you log into your account, then the company/financial institution sends a text message to your smart phone with a one-time code. You enter that code into the login form online. That way, the company knows that you are you.

The scammers obtain your phone number and may have collected other personal information (such as your grandparents name, or other information that may be used by companies to verify your identity) that they can use to verify themselves as you. They contact your cell phone company and change your password and possibility other verifying information. They then move your phone number to another cell phone provider. If they have your bank account information, this gives them the ability to tap them, even if they have two factor authentication.

So far, this is a little-known problem. However, KIRO TV news has found one victim in Everett and reports that the Redmond Police Department is investigating 7 port out cases. Port out scams have been reported in other parts of the U.S and even in Australia.

In the Everett case, the thieves took the T-mobile phone number of the victim. And T-mobile has issued a text alert to some of its customers about the scam. While T-mobile has received the publicity, this could happen to any cell phone carrier.

To prevent port out scamming, security experts recommend adding a PIN to your cell phone account. Ask your cell phone provider about this option.



KIRO TV:




Check the end of this blog posting for links on security for the four major cell phone providers-

New Jersey Cybersecurity & Communication Integration Cell:




TmoNews:




news.com.au:




Scam Detector:







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