How to Choose a Mobile Money PIN Scammers Cannot Guess

A mobile money PIN is short, which makes it easy to remember and easy to guess. Most mobile money theft does not involve hacking at all: someone sees, guesses or is told the PIN. Choosing it well and keeping it private closes the door.

PINs to avoid

• Repeated or sequential digits: 0000, 1111, 1234, 4321.
• Your birth year, birthday or your children's birthdays.
• The last digits of your phone number or ID number.
• The same PIN as your bank card or phone lock.

How to choose a better one

• Pick digits with no personal meaning, such as a random pattern you practise a few times.
• Make it different from every other PIN you use.
• If your provider allows longer PINs, use the longest option.

How to change it

Most providers let you change your PIN through the official app or the official menu code, usually under "My account" or "PIN management". If you are unsure, ask at an official branch or check the provider's website.

Keeping it private

• Never tell anyone, including "customer care", agents or callers. See fake customer care calls.
• Cover the screen when entering it in public.
• Never enter it to "receive" money. You only enter a PIN to send or approve. See approval prompts.
• Do not write it on the phone case or keep it in your notes app.

For more, see our guide to mobile money and banking scams.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

1. Mobile Payment Apps: How To Avoid a Scam When You Use One, US Federal Trade Commission
2. Scam Advice, GSMA
3. What To Know About Identity Theft, US Federal Trade Commission