Una’s Nightmare: €3,500 Vanishes as Phone Is Hacked

In a chilling reminder of the pervasive nature of digital threats in 2025, Una, an Avant Money customer for over two decades, has found herself at the mercy of sophisticated hackers who managed to siphon off €3,500 from her credit card. The case highlights the vulnerabilities of mobile security and raises critical questions about how financial institutions respond when their customers fall victim to such attacks.

Una’s ordeal began on a typical Saturday evening when she logged into her Avant Money credit card account to check her balance after recent purchases. It was then that she stumbled upon four suspicious transactions totaling over €3,000. The unnerving realization set in as Una quickly contacted the bank and reported the fraud.

Despite the urgency of her situation, Una found herself entangled in a bureaucratic web of back-and-forth communication with Avant Money, during which she repeatedly expressed her concerns about unreceived text messages from the financial institution. These messages were allegedly sent to confirm that an e-wallet had been downloaded onto her mobile device and included a one-time security passcode.

Una insisted that these crucial notifications never reached her inbox due to what appeared to be a compromised phone number. This assertion is particularly alarming given the fact that hackers often target cell phone numbers as a gateway into users’ financial lives, allowing them access not only to messages but also to other sensitive data.

Phone Number Hacking: The Gateway to Financial Havoc

The incident underscores the peril of having one’s mobile number compromised by cybercriminals. As Una learned all too well, a hacked phone number can act as an open door for hackers seeking to exploit personal information and financial accounts. To understand how deeply rooted this issue is in modern cybersecurity threats, consider that experts at Avast note phishing attempts via text messages have increased by 78% since the beginning of the year.

When a hacker gains control over your phone number, they can intercept crucial verification codes sent by banks or financial institutions. This process not only bypasses two-factor authentication but also leaves users vulnerable to unauthorized transactions and identity theft. A simple text message that should have alerted Una about potential fraud was instead hijacked by the criminals.

According to an article on Security Magazine, mobile number hacks are becoming increasingly common due to the widespread use of smartphones in everyday transactions. Hackers can reroute calls and messages, making it seem like everything is functioning normally while they siphon off funds or gather data.

What can a hacker do with my cell phone number? This article explores the myriad ways in which criminals exploit compromised mobile numbers, including rerouting text messages and calls to phony accounts.

• Rerouting Text Messages: Hackers can divert SMS verification codes sent by banks or service providers, allowing them to bypass security measures.
• Social Engineering: Once hackers have your phone number, they can impersonate you in conversations with customer support teams of various services.
• Spamming Contacts: Your contacts may receive spam messages from your hacked phone, potentially spreading malware or scams to their devices as well.

The ability for hackers to control text message flow is particularly concerning. In Una’s case, this capability allowed them to download an e-wallet linked directly to her credit card and make transactions in Italy without any alerts reaching the rightful owner of the phone number.

A Battle Against the System: Avant Money’s Response

Una’s struggle did not end with the initial fraud report; instead, it continued as she navigated an unsympathetic corporate response from her bank. Despite reporting multiple transactions that were clearly out of character for her account, Una found herself facing a significant financial liability due to what Avant Money deemed as her responsibility to have received and acted upon the two text messages they claimed to have sent.

The bank’s stance was clear: since these notifications never reached Una, she bore full responsibility for the fraudulent transactions. While acknowledging her long-standing customer relationship with Avant Money, the institution offered a minimal goodwill gesture by waiving €500 off the amount but insisted that the remainder of the stolen funds be repaid.

This approach has left many consumers questioning whether financial institutions are doing enough to protect their customers from such sophisticated threats. The lack of immediate action and the requirement for customers to prove they did not receive messages have sparked discussions about accountability in fraud protection policies.

Transaction Date	Time	Amount (€)	Note
November 23rd, Saturday	1 PM – 1:45 PM	1,200
November 23rd, Saturday	N/A	980
November 23rd, Saturday	N/A	950
November 23rd, Saturday	6:15 PM	300	In a restaurant in Italy

The four transactions occurred within a short window of time and were clearly out of the ordinary. Yet despite clear evidence that these activities represented unauthorized access to her account, Avant Money’s response was met with frustration.

A Call for Enhanced Security Measures

Una’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced security measures in mobile and financial transactions. As technology continues to advance, so too do the methods used by cybercriminals. Financial institutions must invest heavily in robust verification systems that are resilient against phone number hacks.

In addition, customers should be made aware of potential risks and given clear guidance on how to respond when suspicious activity is detected. Avant Money’s failure to provide immediate support or clear instructions after the initial report highlights a systemic issue that needs addressing.

Security experts recommend several strategies to mitigate such threats:

• Password Protection: Utilize strong, unique passwords for all online accounts and change them regularly.
• Tiered Authentication: Implement multi-factor authentication wherever possible to add an additional layer of security.
• Regular Updates: Keep your devices and apps up-to-date with the latest security patches from manufacturers and software providers.

The ongoing saga of Una’s hacked phone number has ignited a broader conversation about digital safety and accountability. While financial institutions are under scrutiny, individuals must also take proactive steps to protect their personal information against ever-evolving threats.

For more insights on securing your mobile devices against hackers, see this informative piece by the Consumer Reports, which delves into best practices for safeguarding personal data and preventing unauthorized access.

This article serves as a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities inherent in our digital lives. As we continue to rely on mobile devices for financial transactions, it is imperative that both users and institutions remain vigilant against emerging threats.