Mobile phone users should be cautious of a potential scam involving the recycling of old phone numbers, as warned by consumer group Which?. The group highlighted the risks associated with recycled numbers, including hacking, nuisance calls, and the possibility of having your phone cut off.
According to Which?, many new phone numbers distributed by telecom companies in the UK are recycled from previous owners due to a limited pool of 11-digit combinations. This recycling process is driven by customer demand, but it poses a threat to individuals who fail to update their number with relevant organizations and online accounts. In a survey of over 15,000 members, Which? found that only 50% of respondents had updated their number with all relevant parties, while 10% had not updated it anywhere.
The consumer group expressed concerns about the potential risks to online identities and accounts, particularly due to sensitive information being transmitted via text messages or used for two-factor authentication. Some respondents reported issues such as receiving calls and messages intended for the previous owner of the number, as well as being contacted by debt collectors or individuals seeking to buy drugs.
To address these concerns, Revolut, Chase, and Modulr have joined the 159 short-code phone service, which allows individuals to contact their bank to report potential scams. With these new additions, 159 now covers 99.2% of UK current accounts. Other participating banks include Bank of Scotland, Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, Monzo, Nationwide Building Society, and Santander, among others.
Lisa Barber, Which? tech editor, emphasized the need for improved communication from providers regarding the risks associated with recycled numbers. She called on Ofcom to address the issues raised by recycled numbers and their impact on consumers. By raising awareness about this potential scam, individuals can take steps to protect themselves from the associated risks and ensure the security of their personal information.