Little-known phone number rule could see you cut off or hacked
Consumer group Which? has issued a warning to mobile phone users about the dangers of certain numbers being recycled and re-issued to new customers
by Neil Shaw · ChronicleLiveMobile phone users could be vulnerable to hacking, nuisance calls or even disconnection due to lesser-known regulations surrounding the recycling of old numbers, according to a warning from consumer group Which?. The organisation has identified several risks associated with the reuse of existing phone numbers by other consumers.
Which? explained that the problem arises as many new numbers distributed by telecom companies in the UK are recycled from previous owners. This is due to a limited pool of 11-digit combinations and customer demand driving this recycling process.
In its investigation into the matter, Which? surveyed over 15,000 members, discovering that 11% had changed their mobile number in the past decade. However, only half had updated their number with all relevant organisations and on their various online accounts, while 10% admitted they hadn't updated it anywhere.
The consumer group expressed concern that online identities and accounts could be jeopardised as sensitive information is frequently sent via text message or used to verify log-in details for online accounts utilising two-factor authentication. Based on its research, 7% of those surveyed reported experiencing issues resulting from the deactivation or reassignment of a landline or mobile number including problems related to receiving calls and messages intended for the previous owner.
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Consumer watchdog Which? reported receiving accounts of individuals harassed by debt collectors and others approached to purchase drugs. Lisa Barber, Which?'s tech editor, commented: "Our research shows that recycled phone numbers can cause significant problems for both the previous owner of the number and the new recipient from the risk of being hacked to losing an emergency phone line or receiving worrying unsolicited messages."
Barber urged for regulatory intervention: "Ofcom should aim to improve the way providers communicate that a number is at risk of deactivation and look into the issues that recycled numbers are causing consumers."