Last week, it was reported that Tracfone encountered a security breach. They have taken measures to alert affected customers regarding the matter. But because some of the numbers have already been ported out, they were unable to reach some of these customers.
And today, it looks like some customers have discovered that they are now on Metro by T-Mobile’s network.
This was the notice that Tracfone posted on its website last week:
“We were recently made aware of bad actors gaining access to a limited number of customer accounts and, in some cases, fraudulently transferring, or porting out, mobile telephone numbers to other carriers.
These bad actors may have had access to your name, address, PIN code, account number, secret question (but not answer) and email address to the extent you provided us with such information.”
In its announcement, Tracfone advised customers to change their PIN immediately if they were contacted via text or email. The wireless provider also advised customers to call customer service if they suddenly lose service or have difficulty with a number transfer.
PhoneArena reported today some Tracfone customers found out that their number and service have been transferred to Metro by T-Mobile. Upon hearing this, T-Mobile conducted its own investigation and discovered “no fraud or data breach of any sort.” The Un-carrier also noted that unauthorized transfers “are unfortunately an industry-wide issue.”
Verizon Wireless, who now owns Tracfone, has taken necessary steps to protect its customers. Whenever a request is made to transfer an account, it will now send a text notification to customers in an attempt to stop such activities.
Verizon has also revealed that only 6,000 Tracfone customers are affected by the breach.
Source: PhoneArena
