Help with scams, spam, and fraud

Calling T-Mobile

• Make sure the only authorized users on you account are people you want to have access to information and make account changes.
• Set up your Customer PIN/Passcode for when you call T-Mobile.
• T-Mobile will never call you to ask for or verify your personal information unless you contacted us first.

My T-Mobile

• Have user permissions on My T-Mobile set up for each line on your account.
• Change your T-Mobile ID password and security questions every few months.
• Turn on two-step verification for extra security.

How T-Mobile Can Help

• Lookout Mobile Security Premium helps keep your device protected.
• You can block some text messages using Message Blocking.
• T-Mobile offers automatic scam protection, including Scam ID and Scam Block included at no additional charge.

What you can do

• Avoid using your T-Mobile number for non-T-Mobile contests, promotions, or newsletters.
• Never download applications from unauthorized app stores.
• Do not swap applications with friends using memory cards.

When buying a used phone:

• Purchase from a reputable retailer or manufacturer. T-Mobile offers great prices on certified pre-owned phones.
• Make sure the phone has been cleared. If you find any information stored in the phone, it may not be safe.
• Check the device's IMEI hasn't been reported stolen on the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association free stolen phone checker tool.

Calls

Caller ID spoofing is the process of purposely changing the caller ID to any number other than the calling number. Scammers can use a fake number from an area code close to or familiar to you, to make you more likely to assume that the call is from a local business and get you to answer the call.

Tips to avoid these scams

• Don't answer or return any calls from numbers you don't recognize.
• Beware of callers from unknown numbers who immediately ask, “Can you hear me?” Disconnect or answer, “I can hear you.”
  • If you say ‘yes’, the caller could record your response an reuse it elsewhere.
• Before calling unfamiliar numbers, check to see if the area code is international.
• If you do not make international calls, you can Contact Us to Block outgoing international calling & texting.

Messages

• Don’t act on any message if you're suspicious of the content, even if it looks like it's from someone you know.
• Never click on a link in a text message unless you're certain that the message is from a trusted source.
• If you have opened a suspicions link change your T-Mobile ID password and other personal accounts, like banks and social media.

Text message (SMS) spam is any unwanted texts, often for commercial purposes, you may recieve.

• You can opt out of subscription spam by visiting the promotion or newsletter's website.
• Forward the original message to us at 7726 ( “SPAM”). We'll reply with a confirmation text will forward the message to the Security Center for analysis. The message and your details are encrypted, your identity won't be shared.
• If the above tips don't work for you, you can change your phone number.

Non T-Mobile resources:

• www.donotcall.gov - Federal Trade Commission
  • Register your phone number on the FTC National Do Not Call Registry.
  • If you continue to receive spam messages or calls, file a complaint with the FTC at the same website.
• Scams & Fraud - AARP
• Online safety tips and advice - Stop.Think.Connect
• Spam and phishing - StaySafeOnline