Warning for new scam

The Penticton RCMP is warning the public about a new phone scam taking place within the South Okanagan. 

The cell phone “port-out” scam sees scammers gather as much information as possible about a target. The crook then uses the information to contact your mobile provider and requested your number be ported over to a new phone. 

“Once they have the number ported over to a new device, they are able to gain access to internet accounts which require a text to phone code for verification,” said Const. James Grandy. 

“This text is often referred to as ‘two-factor authentication,’ and is increasingly being used by online banking to keep accounts secure.”

Tips to protect yourself:

• Ask your mobile phone provider to set up a unique pin code to prevent porting without your authorization.
• Watch out for your cell phone disconnecting from cell service.
• Be careful of texts and emails you receive which request information from you.

If you become a victim of this kind of scam, please report it to your local RCMP Detachment.