Stop LINE Hackers! How to Disable Voicemail on Major Taiwanese Telecoms
Recently, there has been a surge in posts on social platforms (like Threads) from users whose LINE or other messaging accounts were suddenly hijacked. After cross-referencing these cases, a common vulnerability emerged: hackers are exploiting telecom "voicemail" services!
This is an old-school but highly effective attack. When you are asleep or your phone is off, hackers attempt to log into your account and select the "voice call verification code" option. Since you don't answer, the verification call goes straight to your "voicemail."
Next, the hacker calls your voicemail remotely and attempts to use the default PIN password (many telecoms use 0000, 1234, or the last four digits of the phone number by default). Once logged in, the hacker listens to the verification code and instantly takes control of your account.
The most powerful defense against this is simple: Turn off your voicemail! For most modern users, voicemail is obsolete anyway. Below is a guide on how to turn off voicemail for the three major telecom providers in Taiwan (Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and FarEasTone) using the web, app, or simple dial codes.
1. Chunghwa Telecom (中華電信)
Chunghwa Telecom offers a very intuitive way to disable voicemail, primarily via a quick dial code.
- Quick Dial Code (Highly Recommended):
Open your phone app, dial
##002#, and press call. This will "cancel all call forwarding," which naturally includes the voicemail forwarding service. - Customer Service Call: Dial
800from your mobile (or0800-080-090from a landline) and ask the automated system or a representative to cancel the service. - Chunghwa Telecom App: Log in to their official app and disable it under the value-added services settings.
2. Taiwan Mobile (台灣大哥大)
Taiwan Mobile provides multiple channels for users to manage their voicemail.
- Official App (Recommended): Log in to the "Taiwan Mobile Customer Service App (台灣大客服 App)". In the settings or "Xiao Mai (客服小麥)" chat function, search for "Cancel Voicemail (取消語音信箱)" and follow the prompts.
- Voice Hotlines:
Dial
123, then press3to enter voicemail settings. You can either change your PIN (if you must keep it) or cancel the service entirely. - Customer Service Rep:
Dial
188and ask the representative to turn off the voicemail function.
3. FarEasTone (遠傳電信)
FarEasTone users can also resolve this easily via their app or customer service.
- Official App (Recommended): Open the "FarEasTone Heart Life App (遠傳心生活 App)". Access the smart customer service or navigate the service list to find "Close Voicemail (關閉語音信箱)" and follow the instructions.
- Customer Service Rep:
Dial
888and ask the representative to help close the voicemail service.
Conclusion & Extra Security Tips
If for some work-related reason you cannot turn off your voicemail, you must change your voicemail login password immediately! Never leave it as 0000, your birthday, or the last four digits of your phone number.
Additionally, for apps like LINE, we strongly recommend:
- Turn off "Allow login from other devices": Go to LINE Settings > Account and disable this to prevent anyone from trying to log in via a computer or another phone.
- Never click unknown links or share verification codes: Under no circumstances should you give your verification code to anyone, even if they pretend to be a friend!
Take one minute right now to check your telecom settings and protect your accounts from being maliciously hacked!