Wireless Carrier Adds Security Feature for Port Requests
Clients that port wireless telephone numbers from AT&T will soon have another step to complete in the pre-port and port submission process. AT&T is implementing a new port protection policy on postpaid accounts due to a rise in unauthorized port activity in the wireless industry. Beginning in September, companies must acquire a six-digit number transfer PIN from the customer prior to submission of the port request to AT&T and the PIN must be posted on the port request.
AT&T sent this notice to port partners recently:
Effective September 21, 2021, AT&T Mobility will implement a new policy whereby Consumer Postpaid customers must obtain a Number Transfer PIN to use when porting from AT&T to another service provider. This change is being implemented to further protect post-paid customers against unauthorized or fraudulent port outs.
Customers will generate the 6-digit number transfer PIN via the myAT&T app, by dialing *PORT from the AT&T device, or from their myAT&T account online.
The 6-digit Number Transfer PIN will be entered in the PIN/password field on the Wireless Port Requests. The AT&T Mobility Account PIN will no longer be used to validate port outs for Consumer Postpaid TNs. All other validations and assessments remain the same.
If the Number Transfer PIN provided is incorrect, the port request will receive a resolution required response with the error code of “6B-AT&T Number Transfer OIN needed or incorrect” and the remarks will include “AT&T Number Transfer PIN Needed or Incorrect: www.att.com/portout“.
Additional details will be communicated prior to launch, including an overview, specific steps for each customer option and FAQs. All information will be available at www.att.com/porting.
Companies should make note of this change and add it to their internal porting procedures before it begins next month.
If you have questions regarding the new AT&T Number Transfer PIN policy, contact Lisa Cover by clicking the button below.