Phone users in the UK have been issued a scam warning by Which? regarding little-known rules around the recycling of old phone numbers. According to the consumer group, there are various risks associated with recycled phone numbers, including hacking, nuisance calls, or even having one’s phone disconnected.
The issue stems from telecom companies in the UK reusing old phone numbers due to a fixed pool of 11-digit combinations and high customer demand for new numbers. Which? conducted a survey of over 15,000 members and discovered that only 50% of respondents who changed their mobile number in the last decade had updated it across all relevant organisations and online accounts.
This lack of updating phone numbers could put online identities and accounts at risk, especially since sensitive information is often sent via text messages or used for online account log-in credentials. The repercussions of not updating phone numbers include receiving calls and messages intended for the previous owner, as well as being targeted by debt collectors or individuals looking to buy drugs.
In response to this issue, Revolut, Chase, and Modulr have joined the 159 short-code phone service, which allows people to contact their banks to report potential scams. This move aims to cover 99.2% of UK current accounts, with a total of 20 banking destinations now part of the initiative. Existing members include major banks like HSBC, Barclays, and NatWest.
Lisa Barber, Which? tech editor, emphasized the significant problems recycled phone numbers can cause for both the previous and new owners. She called on Ofcom to enhance communication between providers to alert users when a number is at risk of deactivation and address the challenges recycled numbers pose for consumers.
The warning underscores the importance of staying vigilant and updating personal information to protect against potential risks associated with recycled phone numbers in the UK. It also highlights the need for regulatory bodies to address these issues promptly to safeguard consumers from falling victim to scams and other unwanted activities.