New SIM still being used by another user

[paulh82]

I got a new SIM card for my daughter last week.  When i called her on WHATSAPP yesterday the call was answered by another man, who went on to tell me that he had this number before my daughter and that it was still linked to his whatsapp.  This has created a couple of issues:

1. Another person is using my daughters new number.

2. My daughter is only 13 years old and uses her phone in order to stay in touch whilst at school, but the number feels compromised now.

How do i solve this?  Can sky just issue a new number to me.  I find it unbelievable that this can happen!

[PandJ2020]

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@paulh82 wrote:

How do i solve this?  Can sky just issue a new number to me.  I find it unbelievable that this can happen!

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Numbers are recycled - nothing unusual in that.

However, it can be an issue if someone else has linked an account to a particular number.  (And haven't unlinked it when leaving)

The SIM isn't 'compromised' as such as the previous user cannot access the cellular services associated with the number.  WhatsApp uses data to communicate and essentially bypasses the SIM.  You'd probably be better to use a cellular call instead of WhatsApp anyway...

The easiest option will be to cancel the current SIM within the cooling off period and order another.  However, this isn't guaranteed to be 'unused' either.  Call Sky on 150.

Also, see WhatsApp's own help on the matter: https://faq.whatsapp.com/3347469605523961