Optus customer loses $10,000, digital identity in phone porting, SIM-swap scam

Fraudsters with enough information can contact a telco, set up an account in a person's name and request to transfer their number.The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman said it encouraged telcos to remain vigilant to the rising threat of fraud and scams.

"The money was from my rainy-day account, so I consider myself fortunate there, but my digital identity has been completely trashed." "I called Optus, they wanted me to identify myself on the phone and I'm thinking I'm not sure if I'm talking to the scammers or Optus at this stage," Mr Ryder said.Before he could make it into his local Optus branch to speak with staff face to face, his phone lost service, indicating the number had been moved to another SIM.

"That's easily found online. You just have to Google my name and that information comes up so that should have been an alarm for them, but it wasn't."The bank, which Mr Ryder asked not be named to protect his personal information, initially told him he may not be repaid the $10,000.If your personal details have been exposed as a result of the Optus data breach and you don't know where to begin, here are some steps you can take now and into the future to protect yourself.

"There is no indication these types of scams are rising, however, in some cases scammers may still be able to defraud someone where they have stolen a person's identity," the spokesperson said.

Phone Port Sim Swap Scam Money Stolen Bank Hack Data Security Personal Information Internet Optus ETEL

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