A Melbourne man faced the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court yesterday after allegedly trying to steal mobile numbers from unsuspecting victims of identity theft.
In July, 2024, an Australian telecommunications company alerted Australian Federal Police (AFP) that multiple attempts had been made to port mobile numbers to its network using potentially stolen identification information.
Porting scams involve the transfer of an unsuspecting identity theft victim’s mobile number to a device or SIM card controlled by a scammer.
They can then bypass multi-factor authentication settings to access bank accounts and other sensitive information.
The AFP, with assistance from Victoria Police and the telecommunications company, examined more than 190 suspicious porting attempts.
AFP cybercrime investigators allegedly identified 193 ‘port-in’ attempts against 86 mobile numbers registered with different networks. The AFP will allege 44 of them were ported, without the rightful owners’ consent.
The AFP is working to identify victims and procure statements from those allegedly affected.
AFP Detective Superintendent Bernard Geason said the alleged offending in this matter highlighted how far scammers would go to try to bypass security settings and access people’s linked personal data.
“Mobile phones are an integral part of our modern lives but have also become a target for potential scammers,” Det Supt Geason said.
On March 4, 2025, the AFP executed a search warrant in the Victorian suburb of Lynbrook after allegedly identifying a man, 34, as responsible for the unauthorised porting activity.
Police seized items from the home including several mobile phones, a desktop computer, SIM cards and suspected drug items, which will be subject to further forensic analysis.
The man was charged with knowingly causing an unauthorised modification of data, with reckless disregard as to whether the modification impaired access, or the reliability, security or operation of other data, contrary to section 477.2(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years’ imprisonment.
“I urge people to be alert to unexpected text messages from your mobile service provider saying “you” have requested your number be ported to a different network provider. This could indicate a scammer is trying to port your phone.
“Alternatively, if your mobile phone service is suddenly disconnected, or shows ‘SOS only’, this could also be a warning sign your number has been transferred to another provider without your authorisation.
“If you believe you have been the victim of an unauthorised porting attempt, it’s critical to contact your mobile phone provider immediately, and contact your bank to take steps to put a freeze or hold on banking transfers and cancel any potentially affected cards.
“Finally, report the incident to ReportCyber,” Detective Superintendent Bernard Geason said.
