Unauthorized MTN SIM Swap

system32

system32

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Hello MYBB friends - need some advice...

At 9pm on Sunday, I got this message from 30735:
Y'ello! Thank you for your SIM Swap Request,
for security reasons your SIM Swap will only be processed from 07h00.
Regards MTN

And also:
Y'ello! SIM Swap received for 2783xxxxxxx.
To process this SIM Swap reply "Yes" to this SMS now!
To STOP this SIM Swap reply "No" now!

After the 3rd message, I replied "No"
Started again this morning and I replied "No"

Thank goodness I replied.

Also at 9pm on Sunday, my father-in-law started getting the same messages - 29 of them.
He's not technical (only has a dumb phone) and can't read English, so he ignored the messages.
Came over to ask me about it this morning and unfortunately, his number has been swapped.
Called MTN and they are busy reversing the swap.

We both bank with ABSA.
Seems very suspect 2 SIM swap requests - inside job at MTN/ABSA.

Anyone else had this problem?
Any advice would be welcome.
 
supersunbird said:
Ever use the same computer for internet banking?
Click to expand...
My father-in-law does not have or use online-banking - old school.
We going to the bank to check his account.

I only use my home-pc for online banking
I only use Firefox with ABP, it's unlikely to be infected.

Move to Capitec or FNB or any other bank.
Click to expand...
FNB may be an option with their new App Based 2FA.
 
system32 said:
My father-in-law does not have or use online-banking - old school.
We going to the bank to check his account.

I only use my home-pc for online banking
I only use Firefox with ABP, it's unlikely to be infected.

FNB may be an option with their new App Based 2FA.
Click to expand...

Mmmm, then it's probably a syndicate. Do you have a large amounts of money in the accounts (or in the linked accounts) or is it normal transactional accounts with minimum balances?
 
supersunbird said:
Mmmm, then it's probably a syndicate. Do you have a large amounts of money in the accounts (or in the linked accounts) or is it normal transactional accounts with minimum balances?
Click to expand...
My acct & in-law accounts are not linked.
Accounts have a reasonable amount (in-law is a pensioner) - would hurt if it was stolen.

I also suspect syndicate - probably at the bank.
Bank knows the balance and has the cell numbers.

MTN has reversed the SIM swap - lost the pre-paid air time balance of +/-R100.

Will check with ABSA fraud if any suspect access on the accounts.
 
system32 said:
My acct & in-law accounts are not linked.
Accounts have a reasonable amount (in-law is a pensioner) - would hurt if it was stolen.

I also suspect syndicate - probably at the bank.
Bank knows the balance and has the cell numbers.

MTN has reversed the SIM swap - lost the pre-paid air time balance of +/-R100.

Will check with ABSA fraud if any suspect access on the accounts.
Click to expand...

By linked I mean a transactional account (maybe little money) and a savings account (maybe with lots of money) linked on the same online profile of the 1 person. Obviously lots of money available puts one at risk for such a syndicate, the target worth their effort.

And if a person doesn't use online banking it doesn't mean the crims can't on their behalf register for it and use it for their ends.
 
Don't waste time. Activate MTN Sim swap secure via *141*5#

add an email and alternative number. No sim swap can be processed without you either clicking a link or sending a sms.
 
supersunbird said:
How where their passwords known?

/me hugs his Capitec dongle
Click to expand...

I am not talking about Capitec's dongle here, I am talking about SIM swap risk. Yes, the Internet banking profile details have to be compromised in the first place - my point is that in no way is FNB less risk than ABSA if they still use SMS
 
vic777 said:
I am not talking about Capitec's dongle here, I am talking about SIM swap risk. Yes, the Internet banking profile details have to be compromised in the first place - my point is that in no way is FNB less risk than ABSA if they still use SMS
Click to expand...
They changed it at the end of last year to in app notifications. Why I love Capitec, from the beginning it was the keyfob and later the app. They never used SMS.
 
vic777 said:
I am not talking about Capitec's dongle here, I am talking about SIM swap risk. Yes, the Internet banking profile details have to be compromised in the first place - my point is that in no way is FNB less risk than ABSA if they still use SMS
Click to expand...

I was just hugging it cause no such SIM swap worries haha.

I know, I would never store any wealth with FNB either, never mind ABSA.

Maybe R5000 in my linked saving pocket, and then whatever is in my Credit Card (but if that money is used that is the banks problem).
 
I'm with capitec for ages now. Started internet banking with the key dongle. Once I wanted to activated the app they had to disable the key dongle.

App works just like the key dongle. Disable the data on your device and generate a code to use or just use it quickly with the app connected. Very nice actually.
 
cavedog said:
I'm with capitec for ages now. Started internet banking with the key dongle. Once I wanted to activated the app they had to disable the key dongle.

App works just like the key dongle. Disable the data on your device and generate a code to use or just use it quickly with the app connected. Very nice actually.
Click to expand...

I'm not with Capitec, but I must say I'm certainly impressed that they have become the 2nd largest bank in SA, well done!
 
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