Cricket is serious about protecting its customers against telecommunications fraud by doing things like monitoring potential fraud and directing customers to resources for guarding their information. Fraudsters are constantly trying to find new ways to take advantage of both carriers and customers. Working together to keep everyone informed is critical to prevention.
In order to help protect our customers from potentially fraudulent activity on their Cricket account, customers should create an Account PIN when activating a new wireless account. Existing customers can turn on PIN security for their wireless account at any time, and we encourage them to do so by clicking the link below. As a reminder, we will never call you to ask for your PIN or ask for your PIN via text.
Secure Your Account
When fraudsters get unauthorized access to your account, they can port your number to another carrier, or do a SIM Swap, without your consent. To help protect your account from these behaviors, turn on Account Lock in your myCricket app.
Cricket’s Account Lock will block the ability to do a SIM Change (including upgrades) and/or port out while turned on. You can learn more about this functionality here.
Preventing Unauthorized Ports or SIM Swaps
It can be a difficult process to recover your number once it’s ported out. Here are some things you can do to help protect your number:
-
Log in to the myCricket app and turn on Account Lock. This will block all port outs and SIM swap attempts until you turn the lock off.
-
Be sure to generate your Number Transfer PIN. This randomized one-time PIN is a requirement to port to another carrier and is sent to the numbers on your account.
-
Cricket will send a notification alerting you that a request to port out your line or SIM swap request has been made. If you did not initiate the request, call Cricket immediately.
Blocking Unwanted Calls and Text Messages
Are you tired of getting unwanted calls and texts? Cricket Call Defense identifies the calls you want to pick up and automatically blocks the ones you want to avoid.
Robocalls
A robocall is a phone call that uses a computerized auto dialer to deliver a pre-recorded message, as if from a robot. Fraudsters use robocalls to avoid detection.
Cricket Call Defense
Cricket Call Defense will help you identify which calls you should take and which ones you shouldn’t by giving you more information and control over spam callers and robocalls. Save yourself the stress and answer calls that make you smile.
-
Verify your incoming calls with new caller authentication
-
Identify unwanted calls with available network information
-
Fraud blocking stops calls that have been identified as likely scam calls
-
Relieve the stress of answering a call you didn't want
Learn more about Cricket Call Defense.
Spam Text Messages
Spam text messages are unsolicited messages. These messages may count against your text plan depending on which plan you have. Many spam messages announce that you've won something, or you qualify for an offer. The goal of a fraudulent text is usually to get access to your personal data.
Don't respond directly to a spam message or click on links in spam messages. Doing so alerts the spammer that your number is genuine. You can report spam. Please forward all spam and suspicious texts to our SPAM response team at 7726. Once you receive a confirmation message, please respond with the number or email address that sent the original message.
Refill Card Fraud
Refill Card fraud is the unauthorized use of a legitimate customer's Cricket Refill card. Criminals will attempt to steal, find, or get physically close enough to read the card information.
If you are subject to Refill Card fraud, contact Customer Support at 1-800-CRICKET (1-800-274-2538).
General Fraud FAQs
Contact any of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file. The fraud alert asks creditors to contact you before opening new accounts or making changes to your existing accounts.
Equifax: 800.525.6285, www.equifax.com
Experian: 888.397.3742, www.experian.com
TransUnion: 800.680.7289, www.transunion.com
As soon as one credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the other two bureaus automatically are notified to place fraud alerts on your credit file, and you are eligible to receive two free credit reports from all three bureaus within twelve months. Additional steps you should take include:
Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Use the ID Theft Affidavit, which can be downloaded at www.consumer.ftc.gov.
File a police report and get a copy to submit to your creditors and others who may require proof of the crime. File your complaint with the FTC. The FTC maintains an identity theft database that law enforcement agencies use for investigations.
Filing a complaint also helps the FTC better assist you, as the commission learns more about identity theft and the problems it creates. This can also be done online at www.consumer.ftc.gov or by calling the FTC.
-
Don't open emails or links from unknown sources.
-
Don't give out your email address without knowing precisely how it will be used.
-
Be wary of telemarketing calls that make unrealistic promises or ask for personal information.
-
Be aware that Cricket will never ask for your PIN via text. That We will never call you to ask for your PIN or ask for your PIN via text.
An identity theft victim usually discovers an unrecognized Cricket account when:
-
Victim receives a communication from Cricket for an unknown or unauthorized account. Note that Cricket does not mail bills or report to credit or collection agencies.
If you believe your identity has been used to create an unauthorized Cricket account, please contact us at 1-800-CRICKET (1-800-274-2538).
