Change Account Name vs. Change of Ownership

A reminder for our agents that is going out today, and some information our readers may find useful, as well.

What you need to know:

• ONLY the AUTHENTICATED Account Holder is allowed to change the billing (account) name.


• ONLY the AUTHENTICATED Account Holder may initiate a Change of Ownership.

Why you need to know it:

Recent fraud activity involving account name and address changes was brought to the attention of Care Management.  Specialists are allowing name and address changes without proper authentication of the accounts and not following written policy.  Due to this fraudulent activity, we are providing a review of the correct policies for Changing an Account Name or completing a Change Ownership.

Guidelines to follow for account (billing) name change:

• ONLY the AUTHENTICATED Account Holder is allowed to change the billing (account) name under the following strict and specific guidelines.


• Marriage


• Divorce


• Legal Name Change


• Minor typing errors at account setup (for example, forgot a letter in the name)


• Sprint does not allow profanity to be used in a name


• Completing an account (billing) name change DOES NOT change ownership of an account.

Guidelines to follow for Change Ownership (Transfer of Liability) for one Account (BAN) to different Account (BAN):

• ONLY the AUTHENTICATED Account Holder may initiate a Change of Ownership.


• A change of ownership cannot be processed on subscribers within the same account.


• Both customers involved in the Change of Ownership must be available either via the phone or both customers must visit a retail store.


• Both accounts must be at least 14 days old prior to initiating a Change of Ownership


• The accounts cannot be delinquent, past due, in collections.  The customer must pay the full past due amount.  The account can’t be suspended or cancelled


• Changing the Billing Name on the account does not change ownership or change who is financially responsible for the account.