In today’s digital world, our phone numbers have become an important part of our online identities. Phone numbers are used for two-factor authentication, account recovery, and contacting us directly via phone calls and text messages. This also makes them an attractive target for scammers looking to access our online accounts or trick us into sending money or personal information. But can a scammer actually steal your phone number? Let’s take a closer look at how phone numbers work and the methods scammers use to try to hijack them.
How phone numbers and providers work
When you sign up for phone service, whether it’s a cell phone or landline, you are assigned a phone number by your provider. This phone number resides in your provider’s systems and is associated with your account. Your provider keeps track of your phone number and routes calls and messages to it through their network.
So in most cases, your phone number is controlled by your phone provider, not you directly. This means a scammer can’t simply take or copy your number – they would have to gain control of your account with your provider.
Some key points about phone numbers:
– Phone numbers are assigned and managed by providers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.
– You do not own or control your phone number directly.
– Your provider keeps records associating your number with your account.
– Routing of calls/texts to your number happens through your provider’s systems.
How scammers try to steal phone numbers
Given the way phone numbers work, scammers have to use more roundabout methods to try to gain control of your phone number. Here are some of the ways they attempt to steal phone numbers:
SIM swapping
SIM swapping involves convincing your mobile provider to transfer your phone number to a new SIM card controlled by the scammer. They can do this by impersonating you and claiming your phone or SIM card was lost or stolen. Once your number is assigned to their SIM, they gain control of your number and any calls/texts sent to it.
Porting your number out
Scammers may try to port your number to a new carrier under their control. They impersonate you and request your phone number be ported to another provider. If successful, your old provider hands over your number to the new provider specified by the scammer.
Social engineering provider support
Scammers may pretend to be you and contact your phone provider’s support, claiming they need your number transferred to a new device or account. Through smooth talking and social engineering, they try to trick support staff into making changes that give them control of your number.
Exploiting account breaches
If the scammer manages to hack into your online account with your phone provider, they may be able to reassign your number to themselves. Phone companies have gotten better about adding security to combat this, but data breaches still occur.
Intercepting phone verification codes
Scammers may intercept texts or calls containing verification codes sent by providers or websites to your number. These codes can be used to port your number out or take over your online accounts.
Protecting your phone number from scammers
While phone numbers are vulnerable to being hijacked, there are steps you can take to make it much harder for a scammer to steal your number:
Use strong and unique passwords
Use a strong, unique password for your account with your phone provider to prevent unauthorized access. Don’t reuse passwords across different accounts. Enable two-factor authentication if available.
Add account security PINs
Contact your provider to add account security PINs that must be provided before any changes can be made to your account. This prevents unauthorized SIM swaps or number porting.
Be alert for social engineering
Phone providers train staff to be vigilant against social engineering. But scammers can be persuasive – so be wary of any unexpected requests to transfer your number or make account changes.
Avoid number porting when possible
Number porting is a prime opportunity for scammers to swoop in. Avoid porting your number unless absolutely necessary – and take security precautions if you do.
Monitor your accounts
Keep a close eye on your phone account for any unauthorized changes. Many providers offer apps or websites to manage your account easily.
Report suspicious activity
If you see any strange activity that could indicate an attempted hijack, report it ASAP to your provider. The faster the provider is alerted, the less likely the hijack will be successful.
What to do if your phone number is hijacked
If you believe your phone number has been hijacked, act quickly:
– Contact your phone provider from a separate verified number to report the hijack and reclaim your number.
– Suspend your number and ask for an investigation if the provider cannot immediately help – don’t restore service until the investigation is complete.
– Change passwords on all connected accounts that may have used the phone number for verification.
– Contact institutions like your bank to flag them that your number was compromised.
– File reports with the FCC and FTC regarding the phone hijack and fraud.
– Conduct a security audit on all accounts previously associated with your number and implement stronger protections.
– Once your number is restored, enable enhanced security options like provider account PINs to prevent future hijacking.
The bottom line on protecting your phone number
While scammers are always looking for new ways to exploit the system, phone numbers remain difficult for them to outright steal without help from lax security or social engineering tricks. Your phone provider also has a strong interest in keeping their customer’s numbers and accounts secure.
By using strong passwords, enabling account security measures, monitoring your account activity, and contacting your provider at any signs of trouble, you can make it extremely difficult for scam artists to hijack your phone number. While vigilance is required, you can take steps to significantly reduce any risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone hack my phone and steal my number?
It is unlikely someone can directly hack your physical phone to steal your number. They would have to hack into your account with your phone provider by stealing your credentials or using social engineering. The bigger risk is them hijacking your number through your provider’s systems.
What can someone do with my phone number if they steal it?
They could intercept calls and text messages intended for you. They could access your online accounts that use your number for two-factor verification. They could impersonate you with companies and contacts that identify you based on your number. Overall, they could cause a lot of identity theft damage.
Can someone steal my number without accessing my phone?
Yes, phone numbers are controlled through your provider’s systems, not the physical phone itself. Scammers use methods like social engineering and account hacks to try to gain control of your number by manipulating your provider’s account records.
What should I do if I think someone has copied my SIM card?
Immediately contact your phone provider, suspend your account, get a new SIM card issued with a new number, and change passwords on all connected accounts. Request an investigation into how someone may have accessed and copied your SIM information.
If my phone is lost/stolen, could someone take over the number?
If your physical phone is lost or stolen, your number could be vulnerable if you don’t take quick action. Contact your provider immediately to suspend service on the lost phone before someone can hijack the number by inserting a new SIM.
Key Takeaways
– Phone numbers are controlled by your phone provider, not your physical phone.
– Scammers use methods like social engineering and account hacks to try to hijack numbers.
– Protect your number by using strong security practices, monitoring your account, and contacting your provider about suspicious activity.
– If your number is hijacked, act quickly by contacting your provider, changing account passwords, and filing reports.
– Following prevention best practices makes it very difficult for scammers to successfully steal your phone number.
