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jjbInquires's profile

Contributor

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2 Messages

Sunday, July 31st, 2016 6:18 PM

Unnamed Person is Linked to My Prepaid Phone

Support Team:

 

I own and use an Alcatel 510a prepaid phone.  Recently, someone has been tapping into my inbound service.  The charges are minuscule (for some reason). I received generous credit for these inbound taps yesterday, but I remain concerned about the intrusion, and my phone's inability to accurately record what has been happening.  My address book shows several mysterious entries, all labeled Unnamed, but not formatted the same way as past Unnamed calls.  Past Unnamed calls always included phone numbers. These new Unnameds are without any phone number; instead of a phone number, all that appears below the phone icon is an asterisk, nothing more.  My only clues involve the initial phone log, notifying me of my phone charges. With this is a phone number, which is almost equivalent to mine, except for its last four digits. In other words, the number shown has the same area code and three-digit exchange as mine.  Reviewing my Usage History, I noted that only my Alcatel phone number is listed related to the intrusion calls, rather than mystery number that had been displayed as part of my AT&T account notification log. Unfortunately, I don't remember the last four digits of mystery caller's number.  When first receiving these calls, I assumed them to be prospective clients -- until witnessing the other elements of this trespassing.  oops.  Along with the suspicious phone numbers and Address Book Unnamed entries, my phone also somehow received  a series of numerals and one dash, resembling the code an AT &T customer might use to access voicemail (as in: xxx-x).  I copied that code (or whatever) down in case it's significant and/or helpful in resolving this strange interlude.  I also tried to access my voicemail using the mystery code, but to no avail.  Perhaps the trespasser would be more successful.    ?  

 

By the way, I keep my phone on a level surface, and am careful not to inadvertently hit any outward initiating buttons when checking for calls or text messages.  Besides, don't forget about the inbound evidence (phone number, access code, asterisk).

 

Any ideas?  I'd like to block this trespasser.  Is there free anti-spyware or other AV programs made for my pre-paid Alcatel 510a that you'd recommend?  What should I do?

 

Thanks.  Sorry for this lengthy post.  I hope it's not too perplexing.  

 

--jjb

Community Support

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15.2K Messages

8 years ago

Hello @jjbInquires !

 

Wow! I am so sorry to hear that this is happening to you! I know these types of situations can be very frustrating and scary. I definitely want to help and have this resolved for you right away!

 

First, I would like to thank you for all of the information you provided! You definitely did your share of research, which is awesome!

 

I recommend starting off with a backup and reset of your device. This way we can back up all of your information, and completely wipe the device. Please check out our Device Support Center! After selecting your make and model, choose Tutorials > Music, photos & video > Transfer media to & from computer. Also, you can transfer your contacts to your SIM card by selecting Copy under the available options.

 

Next, you can view the steps to reset your device through Tutorials > Troubleshooting > Reset device.

 

Also, we would be happy to get you set up with a new SIM card! Any AT&T Store will be happy to provide one, free of charge. A factory reset should wipe out any hacks or malware on the device, but a new SIM is just an extra precaution.

 

I suggest checking your App center (Main menu > AppCenter) for any security apps available. Anything for your specific device will show up here.

 

Just let us know if you have any further questions or concerns! Thank you and have a great day!

 

Kevin, AT&T Community Specialist

Contributor

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2 Messages

8 years ago

Kevin:

 

Thanks for your response.  I appreciate your kindness and thoroughness.  Very helpful (at least so far  !).  I'd been told by two AT&T tech support phone reps, that the activity I described had originated from the internet.  Today's rep assured me that he would completely remove internet connectivity from my phone to prevent further tampering.  I was a little dubious of the effectiveness of this maneuver, but I decided to let him try whatever he could offer.  Your more recent written suggestion was something I had noticed in other forums, but it seemed a little too extreme for me then.  Now I'm ready, and will try to follow your advice later this evening or tonight, just in case . . .  I'll keep you posted, if that's okay (and possible).  

 

Thanks again to AT&T support, and specifically to you.

 

Have a happy, restful night, etc.  

 

--jjb

 

 

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