Can my phone company call and ask for an activation fee to keep my number active?
No. Mobile and phone carriers do not charge spontaneous activation fees to keep existing numbers active. This is a billing scam or impersonation tactic.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Active mobile numbers are maintained automatically as long as your account is in good standing. Carriers do not introduce new fees mid-contract by calling you and demanding immediate payment to prevent deactivation. If there is a genuine billing issue, you receive a notification through your account, by email, or by text, and you have time to resolve it through official channels.
This scam works by creating fear of losing your phone number — which for many people is a significant inconvenience affecting their contacts, two-factor authentication accounts, and professional identity. The urgency makes victims pay quickly without verifying.
Scammers may also use this pretext to phish for your account credentials or personal identification details, which they then use for SIM swapping — transferring your number to a device they control to intercept OTPs sent to your number.
If you receive such a call, hang up and check your account status through the carrier's official app or website. Any genuine billing issue will be reflected there, and you can address it safely through official channels.
Common red flags
- Unsolicited call claiming your number will be deactivated unless you pay a fee
- Demands immediate payment by card, gift card, or wire transfer
- Creates urgency by claiming deactivation will occur within hours
- Asks for your account PIN or online login credentials
- Fee amount seems arbitrary and cannot be found on your account statement
- Caller refuses to let you call back on the official carrier number
What to do now
- Hang up and check your account status in the carrier's official app
- Call the carrier's official customer service number on their website
- If there is a genuine balance issue, pay through the official app or website
- Report the scam call to your carrier's fraud department
- Report to your national communications regulator
- Enable account security features such as a transfer PIN to prevent SIM swapping
Frequently asked questions
What is SIM swapping and how does this relate to it?
SIM swapping involves tricking a carrier into transferring your phone number to a SIM card controlled by a fraudster, who then uses it to receive your OTPs and take over your accounts. Calls seeking your account PIN or credentials may be the first step.
How do I protect my phone number from being transferred without my consent?
Set up a port-freeze or SIM lock with your carrier. Create a unique account PIN that is different from your voicemail PIN. Use an authenticator app rather than SMS for two-factor authentication where possible.