Posted 20th May 2023 (Posted 16 h, 32 m ago)
So about 4 weeks ago Three Mobile gave away my PAC code to someone else. Obviously they have ported my number and it has cancelled my phone and my number now sits with with someone else (on Vodafone it seems)
I first contacted three 4 weeks ago when my phone had been cut off. They said I had requested the PAC code which I told them time and time again I hadn't. I am guessing the person who had was able to clone my number some how.
Since then my email password has changed and I am unable to access the emails because to change the password it sends a verification code to my phone number.
Anyway I have contacted three on so many occasions over that last 4 weeks and getting very little back. They said they wanted photo ID to show it's me. Then I rang a week later and they said they wanted me now holding the photo ID. I feel like they are messing me about.
I have had both the email address and phone number for 20 plus years so I don't really want to just accept and get a new number. Three did send a sim card out to me but that's just a kick in the face.
My email address has a lot of personal information, including medical, work and financial things in.
My phone number has contacts from over 20 years using it. People will message me and I am scared that the scammers could message back asking to borrow money etc. I can't contact everyone I've known.
Can anyone advise me how to sort this? Or had a similar issue in the past?
James
I first contacted three 4 weeks ago when my phone had been cut off. They said I had requested the PAC code which I told them time and time again I hadn't. I am guessing the person who had was able to clone my number some how.
Since then my email password has changed and I am unable to access the emails because to change the password it sends a verification code to my phone number.
Anyway I have contacted three on so many occasions over that last 4 weeks and getting very little back. They said they wanted photo ID to show it's me. Then I rang a week later and they said they wanted me now holding the photo ID. I feel like they are messing me about.
I have had both the email address and phone number for 20 plus years so I don't really want to just accept and get a new number. Three did send a sim card out to me but that's just a kick in the face.
My email address has a lot of personal information, including medical, work and financial things in.
My phone number has contacts from over 20 years using it. People will message me and I am scared that the scammers could message back asking to borrow money etc. I can't contact everyone I've known.
Can anyone advise me how to sort this? Or had a similar issue in the past?
James
Community Updates
40 Comments
sorted byOur mobile numbers should not be so important, that something like this can effect our emails, messages, accounts, finances, etc
Hope you get it sorted
Also get on some credit reporting sites ASAP especially the ones who monitor your account regularly to check for newly opened credit - this person is almost certainly trying to steal your ID.
uk.pcmag.com/sec…pps
There is an article here from The Sun which looked at the issue and contains links to Action Fraud to get a police crime reference number.
You can call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use the online reporting tool.
The Mail and The Guardian are also worth a look as it’s good to ruffle a few feathers.
Failing all that, and what others have already suggested such as contacting Ofcom, getting in touch with your MP is also worth doing as a letter from the House Of Commons is a good way to get someone’s attention.
Don’t just give though. Good luck!
"jamie15
6 h, 6 m ago
Everyone can see a text message with a code as it pops up on phone, so it's easy to implement and widely used." (edited)
then tell both you have complained to ofcom which can get their attention as they are measured on volume of ofcom complaints
• present Subject Access Request to 3 (SAR / GDPR request)
3s response should include/show the PAC was accompanied by your DoB, otherwise 3 hasn't complied with its own procedures
three.co.uk/pri…hts
ico.org.uk/for…st/
• file fraud notification with Voda. Possibly wise to both call 0333 304 2897 and complete form at
vodafone.co.uk/abo…rm/
• file report at Action Fraud actionfraud.police.uk/
Not convinced police can / would provide any active assistance.
They won't let me raise a complaint as my account is locked down. That's why they wanted the photos etc.
I haven't rang the police yet
How are they meant to do that
This is actually totally reasonable. The whole point of photo ID is that it's to verify that the holder is the owner, which they can't do if they only have a picture of the ID. This seems like a clear case of fraud and identity theft, so they need to be cautious that they're dealing with the actual person, and not someone who's just got a copy of their dox.
• a commercial co does not have access to Gov passport database
• a commercial co does not have access to DoT d/l photos
(except for a very few co's trialing Gov db access).
The "photo ID" is only as convincing as the commercial co employee perceives the presented genuine article or a half-decent forgery, where forgery via emailed / uploaded image is not particularly difficult.
Probable reality is no "verification check" of Gov-issued photo ID can be performed,
and in reality is likely better described as "credibility check".