Unauthorized Port Outs

A Port Out occurs when a customer transfers their mobile service and phone number to another carrier. An Unauthorized Port Out occurs when the mobile telephone number tied to a customer’s account is moved to another provider without the customer’s authorization. Fraudsters can use Port Outs as a way to hijack your line, intercept your calls and SMS messages, and receive authentication codes from banks, cryptocurrency exchanges, and other financial institutions. With an unauthorized port of a line to another carrier, it takes a longer time for a compromised customer to recover their service back to the Verizon network.

Fraudsters typically complete Unauthorized Port Outs after obtaining a customer’s personal information via phishing attacks or by purchasing compromised account credentials through dark web marketplaces. Phishing occurs when criminals send fraudulent requests for personal information to victims, usually posing as a company or government agency. Victims of Unauthorized Port Out attacks frequently have their email accounts compromised prior to the Port Out, allowing fraudsters to intercept communications from providers like Verizon. With the ability to intercept customers’ emails or SMS communications, fraudsters can approve authentication and verification requests from Verizon, including requests for Number Transfer PIN generation, and complete these unauthorized transactions.  

If you received a message from Verizon advising that your mobile telephone number was moved or is being moved to another carrier and you did not make this request, contact us immediately by dialing *611 from your mobile phone. This is an airtime-free call and will work even if your device has been deactivated. You can also call us by dialing 1-800-922-0204 from any phone. If you need to contact us after regular business hours, Chat With Us and, after logging in, type Live Agent into Verizon Chat Assistant to access 24 HR live chat support. 

Preventing Port outs  starts with guarding your personal information from hackers. Protect your account by following these best practices for security:

Use strong and unique passwords. Each of your online accounts should have a strong and unique password or passphrase. Resist the temptation to reuse passwords, especially between social media and financial accounts. Always enable two-factor authentication wherever it’s available.  Use a password manager to create and manage complex passwords.

Be suspicious of unsolicited texts, e-mails, and calls, especially those urging you to act immediately and provide personal details. Verizon will never contact you to request any password, PIN, social security number, or payment information.  If you receive a suspicious text message claiming to be from Verizon, please forward it to us right away at S-P-A-M (7726), then delete it.

Give your online security posture an upgrade. If you have been the victim of an attempted Unauthorized Port Out, you should change the passwords for services like your online banking and e-mail immediately. Use the “security dashboard” of your e-mail provider to look for any suspicious logins from computers or locations you don’t know. Change your passwords on a regular basis and review your credit report often to check for any unauthorized accounts or inquiries. Review Verizon’s tips for preventing phishing attacks.

Turn on Number Lock. Customers can turn on Number Lock to provide their MDN an extra layer of security. When Number Lock is turned on, it blocks anyone from moving your mobile number to another carrier until it is turned off. This feature can be turned on and off through your My Verizon account or through customer service.