New Security Settings Will Help Stop Pretexting
New Security Settings Will Help Stop Pretexting Pretexting: when one person pretends to be another person to gain access to call records or other private information. In December, new Federal Communications Commission Customer Account Security Rules became effective to address pretexting.
The purpose of the rules, which apply to all telecommunications providers in the U.S., is to increase protection for you, your family, and/or your business records. Your interaction with TDS will be affected by the rules.
TDS now needs to establish two "security keys", to identify you when you call us:
- A Personal Identification Number (PIN).
- A Security Question/Answer.
This should be a question to which only you know the answer (such as "What is your favorite color?"). Unfortunately, information like your mother's maiden name can no longer be used to identify you. Only one "security key" will be required to gain access to your account after the initial set up. If you don't set up these new security settings, your call interaction with TDS will be limited. We will not be able to access your accounts to share detailed call records, make changes to your account, or provide billing information. You Must Call to Establish Your Security Keys Please call 1-888-CALL-TDS to speak with a customer service advisor. After you call, a PIN will be mailed to you via U.S. Mail. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. But the level of security on your account will be increased and it will help stop pretexting activity.
Please note: You must call TDS to make these changes to your account. You cannot make changes online. TDS will not call you to establish this secured information. You must call us. Do not fall victim to scams: never release secure information to people who call you unexpectedly.