MTN Cautions Customers on New SIM Swap Fraud

 There is a new SIM Swap fraud currently going on, and MTN Nigeria has warned its customers to beware of such fraud being perpetrated by some individuals, with the intent to dupe unsuspecting telephone subscribers.

According to MTN, the deception, which has been noticed in jurisdictions outside Nigeria, is similar to ‘phishing’ and its sole aim is to mislead telephone subscribers into divulging personal information that could later be used to defraud them.

In the latest incidents, the individuals behind the deception initiate calls to telephone subscribers, purporting to be staff of a telecoms service provider and request sensitive personal information from the telephone subscribers. Unsuspecting subscribers who willingly provide information will subsequently become victims of illegal SIM swaps, paving the way for online banking fraud and international calling theft.

Corporate Services Executive, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Akinwale Goodluck, who gave the warning recently, said “As a responsible corporate citizen, MTN 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.”

Goodluck said while it is not unusual for some customers to occasionally receive calls from MTN Customer Care, to verify information on SIM registration, he stressed that 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 said.

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

“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 do not remember theirs are advised to visit any of the MTN Walk-in Centres.”

Goodluck advised customers to keep their security numbers secret and never divulge them to anyone. “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.