How to Prevent Unauthorized Mobile Phone Activation Under Your Name: What All Users (Including SKT) Must Do Right Now (ft. KakaoBank, PASS App)
With the increasing risk of personal information leaks and identity theft, cases of fraudulent mobile phone activations under someone else's name are on the rise, potentially leading to financial fraud through connection with Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) or open banking. However, there's a simple way for everyone to prevent this. Here's a detailed guide on the 'activation restriction' service that all mobile carrier users in Korea, including SKT, KT, and LGU+, should set up immediately.
Is Your Stolen ID the End? The Risk of Unauthorized Mobile Phone Activation
In the past, losing your ID or having personal information leaked could lead to fraudsters opening new mobile phone lines under your name. Recently, this risk has amplified as non-face-to-face activation using scanned ID photos has become common. These fraudulently activated phones can be used as burner phones or misused for voice phishing and other crimes through MVNO lines.
More alarmingly, they can be used for financial fraud, accessing open banking and other financial services via mobile phone identity verification to steal funds from your accounts. Such cases have caused significant financial damage to many individuals in the past.
It's Easy Now! Set 'Activation Restriction' with KakaoBank or PASS App
Previously, preventing unauthorized mobile phone activation required direct inquiries to mobile carrier customer centers or a cumbersome process involving computer-based digital certificates for identity verification. However, you can now easily set up 'activation restrictions' through smartphone applications.
- Using the KakaoBank App: Access the KakaoBank app and use the 'Identity Theft Prevention Service' menu to check mobile service lines activated under your name and restrict unwanted activations.
- Using the PASS App: The PASS app, provided by the three major mobile carriers (SKT, KT, LGU+), also offers an 'activation restriction' feature. You can easily set up activation restrictions through the relevant menu within the PASS app.
Essential for All Carriers, Including SKT! Set 'Block All Activations'
This 'activation restriction' service is not limited to users of a specific carrier; it's a useful feature available to all mobile service users in South Korea, including SKT, KT, and LGU+. It's advisable to set the 'Block All Activations' feature through your carrier's identity theft prevention service, KakaoBank, or the PASS app. Once set, this will fundamentally block any attempts by fraudsters to activate new mobile phone lines under your name, even if they possess your physical ID or a photo of it, significantly reducing the risk of becoming a victim.
Note: Temporary Release Required for Carrier Changes
While setting activation restrictions effectively prevents unauthorized activation, you'll need to temporarily disable this restriction if you want to change mobile carriers or open a new line yourself. Also, LGU+ may require the restriction to be lifted even when changing devices, so it's best to inquire with your carrier about the deactivation procedure beforehand if you plan to switch carriers or devices.
Worried About Unknown Lines Under Your Name? Utilize 'Subscription Status Inquiry'
In addition to setting 'activation restrictions,' it's good practice to regularly use the 'Subscription Status Inquiry' service to check the mobile service lines currently registered under your name. You can check your subscription status through the 'Identity Theft Prevention Service' website operated by the Korea Association for ICT Promotion (KAIT), the customer centers of the three major mobile carriers, or the 'Identity Theft Prevention Service' menu within KakaoBank and the PASS app mentioned earlier. If you find any unfamiliar lines, you should immediately contact the relevant carrier to verify the information and report any suspected identity theft.
Conclusion: Protect Your Information and Assets Now by Setting 'Activation Restrictions'!
Unauthorized mobile phone activation under your name is a highly dangerous crime that can lead to financial fraud. However, you can now easily and conveniently set up 'activation restrictions' through KakaoBank or the PASS app. Take the time right now to set 'Block All Activations' and regularly check your mobile service subscriptions to protect your valuable personal information and assets safely!
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