When I was approached by a Telco agent offering to sign me up for a new number, I specifically requested a fresh, unused number. The agent confidently assured me that the number I was getting was brand new.
That turned out to be completely false.
A Recurring Nightmare
Within hours, I found that my new number was still linked to someone else’s Facebook account. This wasn’t the first time this had happened to me. The first time, I received non-stop calls from people trying to reach the previous owner, and even threatening messages from a solar finance company about a debt I had no knowledge of.
It took emails and explanations, all because I was assigned a recycled number that hadn’t been properly de-linked from its digital past.
Now, again, I find myself inheriting someone else’s digital identity and the risks go far beyond inconvenience.
The Real Dangers: Cybercrime, Identity Theft, and Data Exposure
In the digital world, your mobile number is tied to everything:
- Bank accounts
- eCitizen services
- iTax (KRA)
- Social media
- Mobile money
- Crypto platforms like Binance
- And many more.
These systems rely on your number for OTP (One-Time Password) verification. So if a number is reassigned without being properly disconnected from the previous user, the new owner could unintentionally access the other person’s accounts, or worse, be blamed for their actions.
Imagine being held accountable for transactions, registrations, or even crimes you didn’t commit simply because your number used to belong to someone else.
What Are Telcos Doing?
When I contacted my mobile provider, their response was dismissive. They claimed they don’t control third-party platforms and offered no help in addressing the real risks I now face.
And while it’s true that telcos can’t delete someone else’s Facebook or bank account, they absolutely do have a responsibility to ensure that the mobile numbers they reassign don’t carry digital baggage that exposes the new user to identity confusion, fraud, or legal consequences.
I’ve Already Taken Action And So Should You
I’ve formally raised this issue with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) and you should too even if you haven’t experienced this issue yet, because numbers matter.
This is a preventable risk, and enough public pressure can lead to real regulation and reform.
Here’s How You Can Help
You can contact the ODPC by submitting your concern through their official contact form or one of the listed emails at https://www.odpc.go.ke/contact-us/.
Briefly explain your concern and demand that telcos be held to higher standards before reassigning numbers.
The more voices they hear, the more likely they are to act.