Verizon data breach overview:
- Who: Verizon alerted an undisclosed amount of its prepaid customers that their accounts may have been compromised in a data breach.
- Why: The data breach led to a third party actor using the last four digits of on-file credit cards to conduct SIM-swapping attacks.
- Where: Consumers nationwide use Verizon.
Verizon warned an undisclosed number of its prepaid customers that an unauthorized third party accessed their accounts and used their exposed partial credit card info to conduct SIM-swapping attacks.
The Verizon data breach occurred between Oct. 6 and Oct. 10, during which time a third party actor used the last four digits of credit cards to make automatic payments, according to an alert Verizon sent to its prepaid customers earlier this week.
“Using the last four digits of that credit card, the third party was able to gain access to your Verizon account and may have processed an unauthorized SIM card change on the prepaid line that received the SMS linking to this notice,” Verizon says in the notice.
Verizon reassured its prepaid customers, however, that the company reversed any SIM changes and that the data breach did not expose full credit card numbers, only the last four digits.
Wireless carrier ‘moved quickly’ to secure accounts after Verizon data breach
The wireless carrier says it “moved quickly” to secure accounts upon discovering the data breach and that it no longer believes any unauthorized account access is occurring.
Verizon says it has also reset the Account Security Codes (PINs) for an disclosed amount of its prepaid customers in what it called “an abundance of caution.”
In addition to the last four digits of credit card numbers, the threat actors may have also accessed telephone numbers, names, price plans, billing addresses and other private information, according to the Verizon data breach notice.
Verizon advises its prepaid customers to set a new Verizon PIN code and change their passwords and security question to further safeguard their accounts from any potential future attacks.
Consumers have filed a number of class action lawsuits against Verizon, along with fellow wireless carrier T-Mobile, this year over allegations revolving around service, billing and accessibility.
Did you have your personal information compromised in the Verizon data breach? Let us know in the comments!
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21 thoughts onVerizon data breach affects prepaid customers
My SIM card number was stolen and my information was compromised during this data breach as well.
Please add. I use Verizon prepaid services.
I have the prepaid service and my information has been compromised too many times because of this. But yet still havent got any comp for
settlement money.
I have the prepaid service and my information has been compromised too many times because of this. But yet still waiting on settlement money.
I have a bill sent to collections from a Verizon Wireless account that I don’t recognize
Please add me. Data breached repeatedly. Locked out of account. Can’t verify phone numbers dialed . Can’t confirm identity. Refuse to restore service to a disabled Do not resuscitate person. Refused to return prorated amount I’m owed.
Please add me
I had a Verizon account. They had my bank card numbers and more. During the months I was with them I did notice a imposter activity was occurring, especially when added service was done and I never added it and other financial wrongness. My identity obviously traveled through online communication services as when my account given or shown to strangers that contacted me.
Add me
Due to this data breach, I have had to freeze my credit and secure my SS. The hackers were able to take out credit card under my name, and access Pay Pal account. Also they reached out to my bank to try to access my accounts. Not to mention Total Wireless by Verizon put my phone on sos so it is not usable, which was acceptable. However, to be without the only phone for over a week is unacceptable. I am the main caregiver of my father who is 101 that still lives in his home and this is his only way to contact me. Or if life alert needs to contact me. Verizon seems to take no real accountability for this and customer service has been lacking. Extremely disappointed in customer service. I have been a long time customer of total wireless with NO issues until Verizon acquired the company.
Verizon has my banking info on file and im on a auto pay! Please add me to the list