Anatel is changing its portability rule to prevent fraud; see how it will work

Anatel announced this Monday (28) that new rules to prevent number portability fraud are in effect. After this, The user will have to respond to an SMS confirming the change of operator by keeping his phone number..

According to the telecommunications agency, The new rules will serve to prevent scams such as phone line hijacking, portability and SIM swapping scams. (also known as chip cloning).

With the new operation of the portability system, an SMS will be sent to the customer who will perform the transaction asking if he really wants to do the transaction. The person will have to answer “YES” if the operator wants to change the operator and keep the number, and “NO” if portability is not requested. Progress will be canceled if no response is received within six hours.

According to Anatel, the implementation of the new procedure includes many changes in operators’ sales channels (shops, internet, telesales), changes in systems and training of staff. That’s why the agency reported that “the assimilation of new rules should be gradual.”

The agency also explained that operators should start notifying customers of the changes so that they know there is a new procedure when requesting number portability.

The new system had a pilot project in the Goiás region (DDD 64) in April and was later expanded to the midwest and north regions, as well as Paraná and Santa Catarina. However, as of today, the procedure has become valid throughout the country..

system to prevent fraud

One of the most common types of scams in recent years has been the portability scam. Scammers use personal information such as CPF, RG, full name (which can be obtained from online leaks or even through social engineering) and request a replacement of the operator.

Many people suffer because number portability requires very little information. Criminals with the victim’s number access accounts on social networks and access other services such as e-mail. The method was widely used against high-influencers who paid a “ransom” so that their accounts with thousands of followers were not stolen.

SIM swapping or chip cloning is also another scam that can be exploited from portability claims. In the plan, the thug manages to replace the victim’s mobile number with another chip he uses.

With the existing number, it is possible to change passwords and even enter bank accounts according to the security methods adopted by the victim.