MTN raises alarm over fraudulent SIM swap

DigitalSENSE Business News:

MTN Nigeria has raised alarm over fraudulent SIM swap activities in the country and warned subscribers on its mobile network to beware.

The fraudulent SIM swap, MTN official confirmed to DigitalSENSE Business News was noticed outside Nigeria which is similar to ‘phishing’ and could be extend by the perpetrators into Nigeria, stressing that the main reason for this particular fraud is to mislead subscribers into divulging personal information that could later be used to against them.

MTN alleged that the antics of the fraudsters includes to initiate calls to subscribers, claiming to  employees of a telecom service provider, hence requesting sensitive personal information from the telephone subscribers, noting those who volunteer information would afterwards become victims of illegal SIM swaps, paving the way for online banking fraud and international calling theft.

According to Akinwale Goodluck, Corporate Services Executive, MTN Nigeria, MTN as a responsible corporate citizen is always on its toes.

"We are obliged to alert our customers of all the possible ways in which their personal or financial security can be compromised by unscrupulous elements, through the fraudulent use of our platform,” he said.

Goodluck explained that whereas it is not unusual for some customers to occasionally receive calls from MTN Customer Care, to verify information on SIM registration, such calls would only be made from one dedicated number.
"That number is 180. Anything short of that is suspect, and customers should be careful. Also, we will never call, send emails or text messages asking anyone to divulge sensitive security information such as their MTN Security Number, bank details or ATM PINs," he cautioned.

He enjoined customers to utilize their unique MTN Security Number which he said was designed to prevent identity theft and further safeguard the confidentiality of all MTN customers.

Further he explained that the security number comprises a 12-digit Customer Identification Number as well as a four-digit Security Key, all of which are totally unique and personal to each customer.

"These numbers were dispatched to customers via SMS. Customers who did not receive theirs or those who don’t remember theirs are advised to visit any of the MTN Walk-in Centers," he said.

Customers, he advised should keep their security numbers secret and never divulge them to anyone.

"Because beyond securing customers’ confidentiality, the MTN Security Number also enables customers on the MTN network to resolve by themselves, basic issues they may have with their MTN lines. Customers may do so by calling the MTN Customer Care line - 180 or through the internet at mtnonline.com," he said.

Chuks Egbuna/GEE
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