Basically a smartphone problem by installing malicious apps.

Myself will use an ancient Nokia 3310 or 106 for a TAC SMS from banks and other entities related to money. Simply register a new prepaid line from XOX or Yoodo and update it at the ATM machine. Done deal.

Now, each time u perform a new transaction, need to enter the TAC. Some only use SecureTAC which is performed on the bank apps. These are quite secure compared to TAC.

As the TAC number is on an ancient platform, idiots and scammers will try to WhatsApp or Telegram the number and got zero response instead.

Only caveat is to carry an another device when daily but no biggie because these phones are small enough to ignore. With no colour screens or multimedia capabilities, the battery will last up to 2-3 weeks.

1. Use Truecaller to identify and filter out known scammers.

2. On primary phone, u can install the usual social media and messaging apps but no banking related apps.

3. On secondary phone, use a different number solely for data but block all incoming and outgoing calls. U then install all banking related apps like normal. Link TAC number with dumb phone below. No social media or messaging apps here.

3. On spare dumb phone, use a new number solely for receiving TAC and block in incoming and outgoing calls.

For my case, I'm using the A72 as primary phone with everything loaded. For secondary phone, I opt for OnePlus 7 solely for banking related apps. Has a separate number and cannot receive or make calls. All blocked on the phone itself. And finally, an old Nokia 106 solely for receiving TAC and cannot make or receive calls too. Plus, it is small enough to be in the pocket most of the time. Only need recharging every 2 weeks.

As for the monthly cost, it is RM 38 (U Mobile) for primary phone, RM 28 (DiGi) for secondary and finally RM 3 (Yoodo) for SMS.

Simple security tips.

This post has been edited by acbc: Aug 21 2022, 05:51 PM

No longer useful once banks retired TAC and migrate to SecureTAC next month.

I will update the process next month again.

Many banks allowed separate numbers for TAC and emergency.

Why separate? Because scammers can spoof the bank's phone numbers.

If everything goes to your only number, scammers can exploit it easily with apps or links.

1. Use Truecaller to identify and filter out known scammers. Install on both phones if possible.

2. On primary phone, u can install the usual social media and messaging apps but no banking related or wallet apps.

3. On secondary phone, use a different number solely for data but block all incoming and outgoing calls. U then install all banking related apps like normal. Activate SecureTAC on the bank apps and tie to the secondary phone number only. A dumb phone no longer useful due to the lack of TAC. No social media or messaging apps.

4. Be sure to fill in your contact numbers properly. For the bank to contact u, use the primary number and for SecureTAC, use the secondary number. Some banks may require u to enter the secondary number from the ATM or online.

For my case, I'm using the A72 as primary phone with everything loaded. For secondary phone, I opt for OnePlus 7 solely for banking related apps. Has a separate number with Truecaller installed to monitor which calls coming in. U may set the app to block all calls not in the contact list for extreme security.

As for the monthly cost, it is RM 38 (U Mobile) for primary phone and RM 28 (DiGi) for secondary.

Simple security tips.

** Updated 27/09 to support SecureTAC only **

Starting next month, no more TAC according to BNM.