• How and where to replace a Beeline SIM card while keeping the number. Possible ways to replace a SIM card on MTS

    Most people today actively use modern mobile devices. And in order not to run behind the progress, you need to update your mobile device. Not everyone who wants to have fashionable smartphone or iPhone, knows that they do not work from a regular SIM card. As a rule, work comes from MicroSim or NanoSim.

    Therefore, when changing your phone to a more sophisticated one, you need to replace the SIM card in order to be connected to your usual operator. Today we will look at where you can replace an MTS SIM card with a nano or micro one.

    Methods for replacing a SIM card

    There are several ways by which you can replace an MTS SIM card with a micro SIM or nano.

    The simplest method, which requires a minimum of effort, was created for those who do not like to bother. You just need to take your phone and passport and go to the MTS communication salon, which will be closest to you. You need to contact a consultant and tell them what you want to do.

    Read also What's happened federal number MTS?

    They should definitely help you here, and it’s worth noting that this procedure completely free. But, of course, the best thing to do before going to a communication store to change your SIM is to call them and find out if they have an MTS MicroSIM or NanoSIM in stock.

    The SIM can be replaced in another way. To do this, you will need to pay a small amount for the procedure. Any store that sells mobile devices can cut your SIM card to the right size. But this option is considered not very reliable, since the card’s functionality is not always maintained.

    Modern trends towards minimalism capture even the smallest details. For example, the SIM cards we are used to are quickly becoming a thing of the past, and instead of them, mobile operators offer a miniature SIM card that barely fits on the tip of the little finger. What to do if your card does not match the phone you just purchased? We will examine this issue in detail in our article.

    What types of Megafon SIM cards are there?

    Today, there are three types of SIM cards sold in the market: standard, micro-SIM and nano-SIM. Functionally they are exactly the same, but differ in size.

    The massive transition of mobile phone manufacturers from a standard card to micro- and nano-SIM was so rapid that the market simultaneously large quantities turned out to be phones that require a card different sizes. Cellular operators had no choice but to continue producing all three SIM card formats, and the selection of a new gadget is now often complicated by the need to replace the usual SIM card with a new one.

    Nano-sim is just beginning to be actively used by manufacturers. This type of card may come in handy if you purchased one of the latest flagship smartphones. Nowadays micro SIM cards are the most in demand on the market. Let's talk about them.

    How to get a Megafon micro SIM card?

    If you decide to purchase from the Megafon operator new sim-card and, accordingly, a new phone number; in the communication salon you will be offered a “3 in 1” card, which will allow you to use any format, including micro-SIM.

    Holders standard SIM card Megafon, who do not want to change their phone number, can replace the card with a new one for free. To do this, just go to a communication center with your passport and, after filling out a couple of documents, get a new SIM card.

    If the card was issued to another person upon purchase, you will not be able to exchange it yourself. In this situation, the operator may offer you to cut your existing SIM card to the required size. This service is not free. You should not be afraid of damage to your SIM card; the correction is made not manually, but with a special device.


    Is it possible to make a micro SIM card yourself?

    You can also try to bring a standard SIM card to the required size without the help of the communication store employees. To do this you will need thin sharp scissors, a ruler, a ballpoint pen and fine sandpaper.

    The size of the micro-sim is 15 mm in length and 12 mm in width. First you need to use a ballpoint pen to outline the outline of the future micro-SIM card according to the following scheme:



    The card should be cut extremely carefully. It is important not to damage the contact pad located in the center of the SIM card. Even a slight scratch or violation of the boundaries of the site can render the SIM card unusable.

    After the card has acquired the desired size, the edges of the finished work can be sanded - this little trick will level the surface of the cuts and make it easier to install the card in the phone slot.



    As you can see, replacing a SIM card with a micro-SIM is a fairly common procedure, which now does not cause the slightest difficulty. Even if you lose your SIM card, it will not be difficult to restore it, since all subscriber data is stored by the telecom operator. And, of course, it makes no sense to try to select a smartphone model based only on whether you have a card of a specific format.

    Is your SIM card lost, damaged, stopped working, or do you need to replace it with a micro-SIM/nano-SIM?

    Come to any Beeline office and get a new SIM card within a few minutes absolutely free, while saving:

    • telephone number;
    • tariff plan and services;
    • balance.

    To protect you from scammers, the reception and transmission of SMS messages will be partially blocked for 24 hours after replacing the SIM. You will not be able to receive SMS from your bank and commercial online services that send access passwords via SMS. Payment for services from your phone account will not be available. All other services, including receiving and transmitting SMS to other subscribers and SMS messages received during the installation process from the most popular applications and services will be available to you immediately. Restrictions will be lifted automatically after 24 hours.

    If you have lost your SIM card:

    • Block the number.

    You can set the blocking yourself in the “My Beeline” section, or by calling the Beeline customer support center at 8-800-700-0611 (the number will be blocked until it is restored on a new SIM card). Please be prepared to identify the contractual cardholder or answer a series of questions to confirm that you are the user of the SIM card/number.

    • Restore the number on a new SIM card

    To obtain a new SIM card, you must visit one of the Beeline offices or dealers.

    Documents

    To restore or replace a SIM card when visiting the office, you must present:

    • To an individual, the owner of the number by subscription agreement- passport.
    • Representative legal entity- passport, power of attorney from the organization, letter certified by the organization’s seal and signature general director and power of attorney form M2.

    Replacing a SIM card when traveling around Russia

    Technological progress is moving at breakneck speed. In recent years, generations have appeared mobile gadgets, which support a fundamentally new format of SIM cards. MicroSIM (15x12 mm) and nanoSIM (12.3x8 mm) are different high level security. That is why manufacturers of modern devices prefer this format.

    Many smartphone owners have a number of questions about this. Users are mainly concerned about the safety of subscriber data, as well as the cost of the service and the conditions for its provision. In this article we will look at how the procedure for replacing a SIM card on MTS goes and what features this procedure has.

    The easiest option to change a SIM is to contact an MTS mobile phone store. A sales consultant can easily handle this issue. But you should know several aspects of replacing a regular SIM card with a nano or micro SIM:

    • In order for the consultant to make a replacement, you must have an identification card with you;
    • an authorized person can also exchange a SIM card if they have a power of attorney and an identity card;
    • There is no replacement of the tariff plan if the SIM card is replaced;
    • the procedure is not free, and its cost depends on the region of residence (from 100 to 500 rubles).

    When purchasing new starter pack MTS, the subscriber is issued a SIM card of the required format free of charge.

    SIM card replacement services are provided not only by official representatives of mobile operators. You can replace the SIM card in advanced stores for mobile phones and other devices. But, it is worth considering that replacement simply means adaptation. old map sim for a new gadget. This is done in a very simple way - by circumcision.

    However, no one guarantees normal functioning“updated” SIM card. In addition, among the assortment of such stores you can find a special device with which a standard SIM card is cut to the required size. By purchasing such a device, you can cut as many nanoparticles as you like.

    Another way to obtain a SIM card with the necessary measurements is to cut the card at home. The most risky method, but the most economical. Despite the unreliability of such an event, you can find a lot of instructions and training videos on this topic on the Internet. The basic rules are quite simple - use a sharp utility knife and make accurate preliminary measurements.

    We examined in detail how MTS can replace a regular SIM card with a micro or nano sim. You can use any of the above options.

    The article describes how to replace a regular SIM card with a mini SIM card on Megafon.

    When purchasing more and more new mobile equipment, we often have to face certain problems. For example, at a time when the Internet became available for use in mobile phones via Wi-Fi, many owners of models that supported this function sought to buy the corresponding routers for their home.

    When new phone models required new SIM cards like microsim, we inevitably had to get rid of the old ones sim. In this article we will talk in more detail about how to “ Megafon» change the old one sim for a new one microsim.

    To replace a SIM card with a SIM card sim to SIM card microsim, you can use different options. There are three ways in total:

    1. Manually
    2. Via the Internet
    3. In the salon " Megafon»

    First option less reliable, even dangerous, but if you have “golden hands”, then in a few minutes you can make a mini SIM card from a regular SIM card absolutely free. To do this you will need a ruler, scissors and a pencil/pen. You will need to draw lines as indicated in the figure below, and then carefully cut along the lines with scissors.

    There is another way to carry out a similar operation - at the service center of any mobile operator. True, this method will be paid, but more reliable. In any salon " Megaphone a" or another operator using a special device (see in the picture on the left) for your money you will also get from sim will do microsim.


    Second option, in turn, implies ordering a new microsim at the company " Megaphone" This will require the Internet and money.

    If you lose your old SIM card, or if you want to purchase a SIM card of an updated format, you have the right to order from " Megafon» you need microsim with home delivery. The order can be made online on the appropriate website, where you will need to fill out a form. The questionnaire will outline everything necessary for a mutual transaction.

    Next, you should simply wait for the mini SIM card to be delivered to the address you marked. Delivery to some localities is free (information about the cost of delivery, delivery method and method of payment must be clarified when filling out the form), but, for example, residents of the Moscow region will have to pay about 200 rubles. Urgent delivery for Muscovites will cost about 400 rubles.

    In the absence of the Internet and any desire to cut something out, you can, of course, use third option and go with your passport to any salon " Megafon" Your old SIM card will be blocked and a new one with the same number will be issued for free. Don't forget to tell the seller that you need a mini SIM card.

    Many subscribers of mobile operators have found themselves in a situation where they urgently need to replace the SIM card and, accordingly, restore the number. There may be various reasons for this - loss, theft of the phone, damage, or simply when its resource is used up. To do this, it is very important to do several in time simple actions. First of all, it is advisable to contact the operator directly, in this case MTS, and block the previous sim cards. Immediately after this, you will need to go through the identification procedure and write a special application for the release of a new one, while maintaining the old number. Today this is especially important, because each person has many contacts who know the previous number and contacting everyone with a new one can be not only problematic, but in some cases impossible.

    This stage is especially important in order to determine and confirm precisely that a specific subscriber is indeed the owner given number. One of the company representatives will simply carry out a short survey, after which it will be possible to easily carry out identification and proceed with replacement or restoration.

    Traditionally, these are questions regarding the time at which the acts were committed. last calls from a specific number, who exactly the user called, when the top-up was made, and it would be nice to remember exactly how much. Of course, it often happens that the subscriber does not remember all these details well, but it is necessary to at least indicate the tariff used and several numbers with which he contacted.

    If the subscriber is a contract subscriber, then it is important to provide personal passport information. This can be done at any nearest store of your native mobile operator. There you can quickly fill out the necessary application. It is also possible to do this on the official website, where there is a special section with applications, and after that go to the MTS store with a ready-made card.

    By the way, it is worth paying attention that when you receive a new SIM, you must also have your passport with you. And one more thing - some representative offices do not produce modern nano and micro SIM cards, so it is very important to find out about this in advance if you need any of them.

    In order to find out everything necessary information for a replacement you can always call on short service number 111, which is also 24/7 and you can ask all your questions. Such calls are absolutely free.

    There is one point that is also important to know: after a subscriber submits an application using one of the indicated methods to restore or replace a SIM card, it takes exactly 2 days at least. In the case where the application specifies what to block old number It doesn’t matter, you can get a new card immediately without waiting. But in this case, the old number is blocked exactly until the subscriber receives a new SIM card.

    Once the application has been submitted, it is valid for 30 days and only after that it is closed. But, it is better to find out about this personally from the operators or on the official MTS website, because it is quite possible that this time may change.

    How and where can I replace a regular SIM card with a Micro SIM for MTS subscribers?

    To date mobile phones They are being improved more and more, and few people use the old models anymore. Many people have long and successfully switched to a variety of smartphones and other modern gadgets. SIM cards are also changing, which also correspond to new trends. Actually to all of this modern smartphones Now regular SIM cards are no longer suitable, but only special Micro SIM, and sometimes even Nano SIM.

    Naturally, if a person switches to new gadget, he needs to change the SIM card to a new one. To do this, MTS offers several ways:

    1. The simplest and most common option is to take your passport and go to the nearest mobile operator customer service store. There you just need to explain the reason for the replacement, and the consultants will promptly solve this problem. Today, this procedure is completely free, provided that the necessary cards are available in a particular salon. In order not to go around and look in vain, it is best to call the operator back in advance and find out which representative offices in a particular city have them in stock.
    2. There is another convenient and quick option cutting old cards to fit the new standard. This procedure costs symbolic money, and is done simply on the spot in just a couple of minutes. But in this case, it is important to remember that this method is considered the most unreliable. The fact is that it is quite possible that such a SIM card will work intermittently or even stop functioning normally at one point.

    That's all the ways SIM replacement, which are currently offered by the mobile operator MTS. This is quite enough to quickly and without loss change the SIM card in any of the listed cases. In addition, both on the official website and by telephone, there is always the opportunity to find out about this in more detail and solve this problem as quickly as possible. The specific mobile operator took special care of this because modern world without mobile communications It’s hard to imagine even one day.

    In this article we will tell you how to correctly insert a SIM card into your phone yourself. New modern models are coming out with convenient slots into which cards of the required size can be inserted without problems.

    And all popular mobile operators produce unique constructors - SIM cards in three popular sizes: nano, micro and standard.

    SIM cards are a subscriber identification module of a telecom operator. Several decades have passed since their launch until the start of mass sales, and during this time their shape and size have improved. This process was forced. First, smartphones appeared in mobile markets, and places for back cover the details were simply lacking. Technologies have improved, user demands have increased, batteries are larger, phones are thinner, and there is less space.

    This evolution of cards allowed them to be reduced by almost half, and modern retractable slots significantly freed up space for other parts.

    Let's look at what types of sim there are, what their features are, and how to insert a sim:

    • The full-size one (which many people didn’t even know was available) is the largest in the line, with the perimeter like a bank card. Appeared in 1991 with the first wave of popularity cellular communications among ordinary residents. IN modern phones not used, sometimes you can find cars with similar “innovations” a la the 90s.
    • Mini-SIM - still used for devices manufactured from the 2000s to the early 2010s, supports 2G and 3G.
    • Micro-SIM - appeared in 2003, but on at the moment considered the most used generation of communication modules. Supported by all manufacturers of modern gadgets with 3G and LTE.
    • The smallest is the Nano-SIM, which looks like its predecessor, but without the plastic edges. It appeared five years ago and is used in all models of the Apple brand and some other premium segment manufacturers.

    All types of SIM cards are inserted the same way - into the designated slots in a smartphone or tablet. It is impossible to say exactly where the stand is located, since manufacturers reserve the right to place them anywhere, according to their design concept. Sometimes new phones have a sticker with step by step instructions, it can also be found in the User's Guide.

    Installing a SIM card

    Traditionally, manufacturers place card holders on the right side of the case (if the cover is not removable), or directly under the battery, if it is removable. The following instructions suitable for owners of the latest type of gadgets:

    1. Check if your phone is turned off.
    2. Detach the back panel.
    3. Locate the small indentation between the case and the battery.
    4. Remove the battery.
    5. There you will see SIM card slots. They happen different types: separate and two-story. The side you want to hold up when inserting will be shown next to the holder. As a rule, it is inserted with the gold contacts facing down.
    6. Carefully insert the battery back. Check that it fits snugly.
    7. Return the lid until you hear a characteristic click. They will mean that the lid is in place.

    In the video you can see how to deal with modern models, for which the cover cannot be removed:

    Here's another video with a useful life hack:

    Settings

    Modern smartphones and SIM cards do not require manual connection. When you launch it for the first time on a new device, you will receive a package from your mobile operator free settings for all types cellular services.

    For dual-SIM mobile devices, the controls can be a little difficult for a beginner. You can choose a SIM for certain actions by default, or choose it yourself for every call and message.

    Will a regular SIM card fit into the micro-sim slot?

    You can cut a regular size card to micro-sim dimensions if the card is old. However, it is much easier and safer to contact service center, where you will be given a new SIM in the form of a transformer - all popular sizes.

    If the module urgently needs to be replaced with a smaller one, you can cut it manually with ordinary sharp scissors.

    What to do with a poorly cut SIM card

    However, such experiments do not always end successfully. If the SIM card was cut incorrectly and was damaged in the process, you need to contact the customer service points of your mobile operator. Replacing the card with another SIM while maintaining the balance, tariff plan and, directly, the numbers do not take long.

    It is not recommended to insert a SIM that has mechanical damage.

    SIM card malfunctions

    Users guess about their malfunction when the OS does not see the module and does not indicate it with the corresponding icon. The reasons may be:

    • The SIM has expired and is not intended for further use.
    • It has mechanical damage - scratches, chips and breaks.
    • Failed trimming. We mentioned it above.
    • The phone's firmware is tailored for a specific buyer.
    • Problems with the slot.
    • Crashes in operating system and software.
    • The contacts were damaged during installation.
    • Dirt got on the card holder.

    In most cases, the card needs to be replaced, or the phone needs to be sent to a technician for diagnostics, as these can be either hardware or system problems.

    Conclusion

    Mobile communications and the Internet are available throughout the day thanks to smartphones and small card modules issued by cellular providers. That is why they need to be treated with care, monitored for their condition and serviceability. The more gadgets come out, the easier it becomes to use SIMs - their sizes decrease, and their capabilities increase. We hope you found this article helpful and provided easy-to-understand instructions on how to handle them in different situations.

    Video

    Progress does not stand still, and every year, cellular devices become more and more sophisticated and advanced. But at the same time, many modern cellular devices require replacing the old SIM card with a new one. The MTS company keeps up with the times and invites its customers not to throw away old cards, because there are three ways to adapt them to modern standards. If you discovered that your new mobile device is also designed for a micro or nano SIM card, and you have an old-style SIM card, then this article is for you. From the review you will learn about ways to change a SIM card with the help of specialists, and you will also learn how to cut a SIM card yourself.

    3 ways to change your SIM card

    You can replace an MTS SIM card with a nano or micro SIM card:

    1. At the MTS office(When going to the office, do not forget to take your passport with you).
    2. In any mobile gadget store. In this case, you will have to pay to change the SIM card size.

    As a rule, this procedure is not too expensive. On average it costs 100 rubles.
    You can change the SIM card to a nano one yourself. In this case, you will have to adjust the required size yourself ( exact dimensions SIM cards can be found on the Internet).

    Replacement while maintaining number

    When changing an old SIM card, many users of the MTS television system do not want to lose valid number phone. And this is understandable, because after the replacement mobile number, you will have to restore contacts again phone book. What can we say about corporate clients, for whom replacing a work phone is generally extremely undesirable.


    Knowing about these subtleties, the MTS company offers subscribers a service to replace a SIM card while maintaining the old number. This procedure can be carried out at any provider’s office:

    • To do this, you need to come to the office of the cellular provider with a passport and necessary documents(needed in case of corporate number or when applying to replace someone else’s SIM);
    • After contacting a specialist, the client will be asked to fill out an application. Be sure to indicate in your application required format cards (mini, micro, nano);
    • After this, a company employee will inform you about the possible delivery time for the SIM card.

    The replacement service at the telesystem office is provided free of charge.

    If you just need to change the format of your SIM card, you can ask a free employee to cut it.

    Mobile gadgets store

    You can also change the format of your SIM card in any salon that specializes in cellular devices and services. Before trimming, be sure to show your gadget to the specialist so that he can determine what exact clip format is needed for your device. Prices for this service in the Russian Federation, ranges on average from 50 to 150 rubles.


    You can adjust the SIM format from mini to micro yourself. To adjust the format, you can use a stationery knife or a special device (such a device can be bought on the Internet).

    Tips for cutting SIM cards:

    • take correct measurements;
    • It is best to use a special device or a stationery knife to change the size of the card. Ordinary scissors can damage the edges of the SIM card;
    • After cutting, there is no need to sand the edges; this can cause them to become frayed, and the card will become unusable.

    Important! Save the cut plastic. In the future, it may be useful for introducing the card into another cellular device.

    As for the nano size, unfortunately this format Making SIM cards yourself won’t work. The fact is that such a card is not only smaller, but also thinner than a standard SIM card. This type of card can only be ordered at the provider’s office.

    If you plan to replace someone else's SIM card, then when you contact the MTS office, you must have not only your personal passport, but also a notarized power of attorney from the owner of the SIM card, photocopies or original documents of the owner, as well as an agreement for the provision of cellular services (if any available).


    Replacement of a SIM card in MTS stores (with a passport) is provided free of charge. Moreover, the service is free, both in the case of ordering a mini or micro card, or nano sim.

    Cutting a card in MTS salons can cost from 50 to 150 rubles, depending on the region. Although in some MTS salons the service may be free. The maximum price for the service (150 rubles) was recorded in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

    As for the cost of trimming through mobile gadget stores, the prices here are set by the specialists who carry out the fitting. However, for a professional this procedure does not cause difficulties, so the pruning fee does not exceed 200 rubles.

    And of course, the most economical way is to adjust the size of the SIM card yourself. However, in this case you need to be extremely careful not to damage it. Otherwise you will have to contact the office mobile operator and order a new SIM card.

    The theft of SIM cards by replacing them in an operator's or dealer's showroom is reaching epidemic proportions. There are many ways to steal money from a bank account linked to a bank account number; you need to be aware of them and, if possible, avoid being “substituted.” Be careful and rely only on yourself: the operator’s employees will not always help, and banks will not always save you.

    The topic is “hot” and controversial. It seems that people need to be educated and warned, but I also don’t want to help potential thieves with advice. And yet it is necessary to write about this, the scale of the disaster is too great. Protection mechanisms are provided, but they do not always work. In combination with the notorious human factor, the consequences are sad.

    Target Audience

    Obviously, “organizing” a fake power of attorney, not to mention falsifying a passport, is a costly business both in time and money. Fraudsters will not do this just like that, at random. This operation is started when the details of the owner of the number are known and there is hope that the number is linked to bank accounts and/or electronic wallets. There is also a chance that scammers will simply covet the balance of your phone, but it is close to zero; the costs are rarely recouped.

    It may be necessary to publish a number/name combination online, but such a number should absolutely not be linked to any banking instruments. Especially when it comes to trading platforms(Avito), advertising of Internet services, remote work, etc. That is, in all cases where we can assume your close communication with by electronic means payment. Ideally, such a phone number should not be the main one, but must be registered in your name. Conversely, the number linked to bank accounts should be protected from prying eyes. It is better if such a number is not used for telephone communication at all. It’s inconvenient and impractical, but you have to choose between convenience and safety.

    Example situation

    A typical case, one of many. But it’s fresh and well described, which is why it was taken as an example for analysis. Below are quotes from the dialogue with MTS support service, names and surnames have been removed:

    “I received an SMS saying that the SIM card has been replaced. "If you haven't ordered this operation, then urgently call 0890...” Right during a conversation with the operator, the connection was lost and the SIM card was blocked. After I called 8 800... it turns out that according to my application, it was issued to me new SIM card and she is active. To my question “doesn’t it bother you that this number is linked to bank cards and is someone walking around with my number now?” followed by the answer “You can go to the MTS branch with a passport and get new map" Curtain.

    Thus, I am the rightful owner of the SIM card, I must go to the office to prove that I am me. While someone was given my number without showing my passport. Dear MTS employees, I have actually 2 questions for you: 1. What was that? 2. How is this possible? (I didn’t write an application, my passport is with me, I didn’t change the SIM card and didn’t plan to).

    Hello. To check, we ask you to duplicate this review to us on [email protected] also indicating your phone number, full name and passport details of the owner. We will forward your request to the responsible department. Please note that when you contact 0890 or in person at the store, you can install a lock, and when you contact the store, you can replace the SIM card.

    Sincerely, MTS PJSC

    Gentlemen, I have to add a few more details to what happened. I received an SMS about changing my SIM card at 10:58 am. At 10:59 am I already called the call center and explained the situation. The duration of the conversation was 4 minutes 35 seconds. Of these, I waited on the line twice until the operator could boot the system. Then the SIM card was blocked and the connection was lost. The important thing is that I managed to explain the situation, say that I did not change the SIM card and my SIM card is in my phone, from which I am now calling, my passport is now with me and no one has any powers of attorney. Since the card was blocked and I was left without communication, I immediately called 8 800... already from landline phone. I end up with another operator. Again, everything is new: I explain the essence of the problem, find out that the newly issued card is still active, give the code word, etc. At some point, my nerves could not stand it and I said: “that is, someone is using my number now and you, as an MTS employee, are not embarrassed that bank cards are linked to the number?” Here I was offered to block the card. I note that the girl was nervous and quickly hung up. In the end, I still didn’t understand whether the card was blocked or not. I called for the third time, probably an hour and a half later. I find out that my card is still ACTIVE. All this hell in a new circle. The essence of the problem, the code word, etc. The third time they seem to have blocked it.

    And I again turn to the MTS employees. I will, of course, provide the data you requested for the investigation. Please answer me publicly, what should I do if in the call details I see that during that period (which is about 3 hours) that while I was trying to block the card from my number, someone called somewhere? Who should pay for these calls? I? MTS today added extra gray hair to me and all my plans for the whole day are just to hell. This is how my “MTS day” turned out today. Citizens, be vigilant!!!"

    Fuses that don't trip

    They most likely changed it using a false power of attorney, but this is not important. Something happened that shouldn't have happened. But it happens regularly. Why? Let's figure it out. Technically, the system worked exactly as it was supposed to, and the owner did everything that depended on it. When a SIM card replacement is initiated, the system sends an SMS to the owner’s number and waits five minutes. The employee cannot cancel this expectation, even if the client stomps his feet and shouts that he is late for the train. A warning appears on the screen about the start of the replacement procedure; when making a call from the SIM card being replaced, the employee must block the process. Didn't the girl at the call center see the warning? Moreover, the owner responded to the SMS instantly and managed to call and explain the situation. Even if I didn’t explain it, the logic is obvious: if a call comes from the SIM card being replaced, then something is clearly wrong. The replacement process needs to be stopped, and the SIM card must be blocked, probably with a ban on replacement and unlocking for at least an hour or two, we will understand what is happening later. I am almost sure that the procedures provide for such a scenario. Human factor? He, darling. The question arises: is it really so difficult to foresee automatic blocking SIM cards simply upon receipt incoming call during those five minutes? I repeat, any call from a SIM card during the replacement process is a signal of an emergency situation that needs to be responded to immediately. A “dumb machine” will react faster and more reliably. There are cases when, instead of immediately blocking a SIM card, contact center employees began calling the salon and finding out who changed the SIM card and using what document. Meanwhile, the fraudster calmly cleaned out the victim’s bank accounts.

    Let's move on. After replacing the SIM card, the service " Easy payment» is blocked for a day. Also, during these 24 hours, the SIM card must be blocked upon a call with a complaint from any phone, without any special identification or advice to go to the salon with a passport. This is the second fuse that also did not work. There was a call with a complaint (already the second one), but the SIM card was not blocked. Human factor again? It’s just that a factor sits on a factor and pushes the factor.

    The third fuse is blocking “Easy payment”. Unfortunately, scammers are well aware of this and act accordingly, trying to quickly “clean up” bank accounts in other ways.

    The fourth fuse is already on the bank’s side; after replacing the SIM card, operations through the phone are blocked. The owner of the number needs to call (or the bank calls him), and the ban is lifted after identification with all sorts of code words, passport data and other nonsense. This works with most banks, although, according to reviews, not yet in all banks and not in all regions.

    A separate topic is Sberbank, including in Moscow. For some reason, transferring money from an account via SMS to number 900 also works on a freshly replaced SIM card. Operations are not blocked or blocked with a significant delay (recent examples from this year - at least about an hour). Cunning Trojans are not necessary; there is no need to steal confirmation codes or the smartphone itself. All you have to do is get a SIM card, and then they withdraw money via SMS until the limit on the amount is triggered or the bank account is reset.

    Moreover, the probability of “hitting the target” is very high, I was convinced of this myself three days ago. I opened an account with Sberbank on February 15, they issued me a card and sent me to a consultant to activate it. He immediately demanded a phone number to activate the card via mobile bank. I couldn’t refuse, although I persisted for a long time, assuring that I didn’t need any mobile banks. The consultant stated that the card can only be activated through connection mobile banking, and only the full package. And in no other way, without this the card will not work. “Don’t worry, it’s free for two months, and if you don’t use it, it will turn itself off.” The small hall was packed with visitors, and after 7-10 minutes of bickering, people began to be indignant at my stupid obstinacy. I spat and agreed, I’ll turn it off myself somehow. What I mean is that it is extremely difficult, bordering on impossible, to evade linking your SIM card to your Sberbank account. And you yourself can guess about the degree of penetration of Sberbank’s services into the general public.

    Not long ago we examined a similar case at Beeline, you can read it. For many who had never encountered the “technologies” of criminal replacement of SIM cards, that case turned out to be a revelation due to wide publicity. In fact, there are many thousands of such episodes, they just aren’t written about in the news. Undoubtedly, a lot is being done in the area of ​​IT, procedures are being improved, additional restrictions. But even there are plenty of obvious “gaps” and shortcomings, but how many are there that we are not aware of? The most difficult thing to cope with is the “human factor” that fails at all stages of the criminal chain of actions. Starting from sales point employees who are not handwriting experts, and ending with girls in contact centers who are not always collected and attentive. They are also not pilots and are unlikely to undergo special training for reaction speed. Probably, everything that can be translated should be transferred to automation, even at the cost of inconvenience for the client. For example, activate the replacement of a SIM card only an hour after issuing a “blank” to the client. Block sending SMS to any short numbers within 24 hours after replacement. But you never know what can and should be invented? The main thing is to reduce dependence on the human factor. So that the system itself acts, and does not display comments and “helpful tips” on the screen.

    And you and I should take note of the cases described above and, if something happens, act quickly and persistently. Remember about the additional danger of “Autopayments” and decide whether it’s worth the risk for the sake of convenience and the bonuses and other “gimmicks” offered for enabling autopayment. And if you decide, then at least carefully set up this automatic payment according to the schedule and the maximum amount. And not just auto-replenishment when a certain balance is reached. If mobile banking is not needed, then turn it off, even if it is free version. This is not the case when “maybe it will come in handy!”, since “it may come in handy” not for you. Finally, it is not harmful to write a statement prohibiting changing the SIM card by proxy and/or by code word (depending on the operator). It’s not a fact that it will save (the human factor), but it won’t hurt.