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PAC Codes and Privacy
I just called Orange to get a PAC code so I can switch to Three and keep my phone number. I'm on PAYG so I've never needed to give personal details to use my phone, but when I called Orange they wanted my full name, address and date of birth. I'm very careful who I give out my address to. Is this really necessary just to keep your number when you change from one PAYG provider to another? Do they pass on your personal information to the new provider? I'd be appreciate any insight into this!
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I just called Orange to get a PAC code so I can switch to Three and keep my phone number. I'm on PAYG so I've never needed to give personal details to use my phone, but when I called Orange they wanted my full name, address and date of birth. I'm very careful who I give out my address to. Is this really necessary just to keep your number when you change from one PAYG provider to another? Do they pass on your personal information to the new provider? I'd be appreciate any insight into this!
It sounds like you did have details registered on the account, in which case they have to check this information before giving you the PAC. If there were no details registered, then the security check is usually things like confirming last top ups etc.
They won't pass on you personal data, only the number!0 -
They have to make you are really you. You wouldn't them to just give anyone a pac for your number? I've had one of mine hijacked twice now!!!0
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I believe they can't provide PAC codes without verifying the account holder. If there are no details on the account, they need to register it, so they can then verify it, and issue the PAC.0
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Yup, they need to verify it is definitely you so they clearly had the details on record.
If you top up via debit card over the phone you have to give postcode anyway don't you?0 -
Yes, I suppose without these checks anyone could get a PAC for someone else's phone number. I hadn't thought of that.
The thing is, one of the attractions of PAYG for me is that you don't have to give out private details and have them sold all over the world to goodness knows who. I've always topped up at the supermarket with a card that came with the SIM, so I haven't had to give my postcode or anything. I think I'll probably start again with a new phone number and give up on PAC, and retain my anonymity that way.0 -
Also, when I asked Orange over the phone, they said they would pass on all my details to the next provider when I made the switch to a new SIM.0
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