Recycled phone numbers are putting you at risk

When a telco agent offered me a new number, I made one specific request: it must be fresh and unused. The agent assured me it was.

That assurance was false.

After some digging I discovered that my “new” number was still linked to a stranger’s Facebook account. This is the second time this has happened. The first time, I was harassed by debt collectors calling for the previous owner.

Once again, I’ve inherited someone else’s digital identity. The risks are far more serious than mere inconvenience.

The Real Danger: Your Number is Your Identity

Your mobile number is the key to your digital life:

These services use your number for OTP verification. If a telco recycles a number without ensuring it’s clean, the new owner could access the old owner’s accounts or be held responsible for their actions.

When I complained, my provider was dismissive. They claimed they can’t control third-party platforms and offered no solution.

While it’s true they can’t delete a Facebook account, they have a fundamental responsibility to ensure the numbers they sell don’t come with dangerous digital baggage. They are profiting from selling a product that can expose customers to fraud or legal trouble.

This is a Preventable Risk

I have reported this to the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC). If you care about your digital security, you should too, even if it hasn’t happened to you yet.

Public pressure can force regulation. Telcos must be required to properly quarantine and clean numbers before reassigning them.

You Can Help Fix This

Submit a concern to the ODPC via their contact form. Briefly explain the issue and demand telcos be held to a higher standard. The more voices they hear, the more likely they are to act.

Categories: Privacy