Oct 16, 2024
PIN scams are soaring. Here’s how to protect yourself
Reading time: 6 minutes
Personal Identification Number (PIN) scams are soaring. That’s why PureTalk encourages you to set up a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for your account if you haven’t already done so. It’s fast and easy and provides an additional layer of protection from fraudsters eager to steal your personal information and your money.
About Account PINs and Passcodes
What's an Account PIN and why do I need one?
Having a Personal Identification Number helps keep your PureTalk account and personal information secure. It's the primary way we verify you as the Account Owner when you contact Customer Service. If you don't have a Personal Identification Number when you contact Customer Service for account changes or information, you'll be asked to create one to continue.
Important:
The Account Holder is responsible for sharing the PIN with anyone else on the Account who may need it.
PureTalk will never call you and ask for your PIN.
How is an Account PIN different from a one-time passcode?
Your Account PIN identifies you as the owner of your PureTalk account and does not change unless you change it. A one-time passcode is a series of numbers, letters, or both, that you receive upon providing your PIN. The passcode acts as the final confirmation of your account ownership. Unlike your Account PIN, each time you call Customer Service, the passcode you receive will be different.
How is a password different from both an Account PIN and a one-time passcode?
Your PureTalk account password enables you to get into your account and manage it. You can add a line, pay your bill, etc., by accessing your account with your password. Your Account PIN is how our Customer Service team confirms that you’re the owner of the account. When you call Customer Service for any kind of assistance, you’ll be asked to enter your PIN. Once your PIN is confirmed, you will receive a one-time passcode. This one-time passcode acts as the final confirmation that you are the account owner and gives Customer Service the go-ahead to assist you.
What is Two-Factor Authentication?
Two-Factor Authentication is a security method that requires two forms of identification to access your account. Using two different factors, like an Account PIN or password followed by a one-time passcode sent to a mobile phone via SMS, is two-factor authentication. Learn more about Two-Factor Authentication.
Protect yourself from PIN scams
Keeping your online accounts secure hinges on protecting your one-time passcode (sometimes referred to as a one-time PIN). If you receive a call asking you to confirm the PIN or passcode you just received via text or email, it’s likely a scam. Don’t share this information. We will never call you to ask for this code.
Why is it vital to safeguard your codes?
Your account password, account PIN, and the one-time passcode or PIN you receive via text or email are crucial for authorizing account access, making changes, or purchasing services in your name. Scammers would love to get their hands on this information in order to access your account and steal from you or the company. They’ll try almost anything to trick you into sharing it, so stay vigilant. Here’s how:
Steps to better protect yourself against fraud
1. Beware of Unsolicited Calls: Companies like PureTalk will never call you asking for a one-time passcode. If someone calls requesting you to confirm a passcode or PIN you’ve just received via text or email, it’s likely a scam. Even if they claim to represent the company, be cautious.
2. Resist Pressure Tactics: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to make you panic and reveal your passcode or PIN. If you receive such a call, hang up and contact the official company number listed on your bill or the company’s website to verify the request.
3. Keep Your PIN Confidential: PureTalk will never call and ask for your Account PIN or one-time passcode. Always keep all your passcodes, passwords, and PINs private.
4. Use Malware Protection: Start by safeguarding your information with up-to-date anti-virus and malware protection software. This helps prevent unauthorized access to your personal and login information.
5. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication: Activate additional security features on your online accounts, such as security passcodes and authentication methods. These extra layers of protection help restrict access to your accounts. Remember, while a PIN is one such measure, it should still be used carefully. Learn more about Multi-Factor Authentication.
6. Be Cautious: If something seems off or if you suspect a caller might be trying to scam you, hang up immediately. Do not respond to or click on links in suspicious emails or texts. If you believe you’re a victim of fraud on your PureTalk account, report it to our Customer Service team by dialing 611 from your PureTalk phone. For other accounts, contact the customer service number on your bill for assistance.
One example of a common PIN Fraud scam:
1. You get a call saying there are fraudulent purchases on your account for equipment that is being shipped to you. (This caller is a scammer who does not work for the company, despite what the caller says.)
2. The caller asks you to give him the one-time PIN/passcode to authorize the company to stop the purchase or keep your account open. (This caller actually just needs your one-time PIN to complete an order for those items.)
3. The caller explains that the company will send someone to your home to retrieve the items or offers a shipping label to “return” the items to the company. (However, the address on that label is really one the scammer can access to retrieve the fraudulently purchased items.)
In this type of scam, called the Man in the Middle, the bad guy may already have your account username and password. If you give him the authorization code, he has what he needs to complete the transaction. The bad guy may also use this technique if he doesn’t have your password. If he has your username and phone number, he can simply click “forgot password.” He then calls you and uses the same trick to get you to share the new one-time passcode the company sent you via text or email. Once he has it, he has access to your account. Do not share your codes.
Are you a PureTalk customer? Log in to your account now to set up your PIN!
If you think you might have been targeted for fraud on your PureTalk account, report it to our Customer Service team by dialing 611 from your PureTalk phone.
Posted 1 month ago