WARNING TO ALL

This was sent to me this morning as a warning so I am doing the right thing and passing it on to you my readers !!

My personal mobile phone went into SOS mode unexpectedly yesterday.  SOS mode means you can only call the 000 emergency number – you cannot make or receive calls or text messages.

Thinking this was a problem with my phone account, I spoke to Telstra and then went into the Telstra Claremont shop to get my phone fixed.

 While I was doing this my bank account was being defrauded.  My online banking security runs on text messages.  Whenever I want to change something or pay someone new, a text is sent to my mobile with an authority code that I have to enter to approve the transaction.

Somehow, someone managed to transfer (port) my mobile number from Telstra to Optus.  My phone went into SMS mode because I no longer had an account with Telstra (why Telstra couldn’t work this out when I phoned them I don’t know, but anyway).  So my number was on a new phone in the hand of the thieves.  They used it to change my secret question on my account, then my password, and then transfer $8,500 out of my account by receiving the security text messages from my bank.

So, if your phone goes into SOS mode unexpectedly please do not contact your service provider first.  If your bank uses text message security call your bank and put a temporary freeze on your online banking.  Then deal with the phone issue.  You can still use your cards when you freeze your online banking, but your online banking cannot be accessed by anyone.

Lessons learned the hard way.  My bank stopped the transaction and I will get the money back, it’s just been a major headache..!

 

MAKE YOUR OWN DECISIONS AND GIVE IT A REAL GO !!