Scammers obtain your phone number in a variety of ways. You might be thinking, “Well, what’s the big deal? Isn’t it easy to find someone’s phone number no matter what these days?” yes. Also, if you’ve already had quite a few calls from telemarketers, you probably feel like you have it under control.
The problem is that a scammer with the right knowledge and wrong intentions can wreak havoc just by getting your phone number.
Once that happens, they can use it to deceive you in all kinds of ways.
The good news is that by familiarizing yourself with their tactics, you can get one step closer to the next stage. avoid becoming a victim To them. Here’s what you need to know:
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Illustration of a scammer using SIM exchange (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
9 ways to get scammed if your phone number falls into the wrong hands
In today’s digital age, a phone number is more than just a way for friends and family to contact you. It can be a gateway for scammers to access your personal information and wreak havoc on your life. from Phishing attempt The risks of extortion are many and varied. If your phone number falls into the wrong hands, here are nine ways scammers can take advantage of your phone number.
1. Phishing activity targeting other personal information
Scammers can also easily use your phone number to launch attacks Phishing attack. They may send you text messages or call you pretending to be from your bank or a popular online service you subscribe to. The goal is to call you and get you to provide login credentials, credit card details, and other personal information, which they then use to commit fraud. And once they have all the other information, they can do even more damage just by using your phone number as an initial segue.
2. Blackmail and blackmail
In some cases, scammers may use your phone number for blackmail or extortion. They may claim to have dangerous information about you and demand payment to keep it secret. By contacting you directly, they can continue to apply pressure, making the threat seem more real and imminent.
One unique way to target the elderly is to pretend to be your grandchild or relative who is suffering. Scammers often claim that your grandchild is in an emergency situation, such as needing bail or medical assistance, and request emergency financial assistance. and AI voice cloning technology, You might even be able to use your grandchild’s voice. This emotional manipulation usually forces the victim to pay compensation.
3. Robocalls and spam messages
This may not be as dramatic, but your phone number could be sold to: robocalls and spam message service. These automated systems bombard you with unsolicited phone calls and text messages, often promoting fraudulent or fraudulent products. These may seem like small annoyances, but engaging with the messages or following their instructions can lead to bigger scams. Please hang up.
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Illustration of a scammer with cash in hand (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
4. Phone number spoofing
Phone number spoofing This is a common problem because scammers may have the area code where you live, the area code where your friends and family live, or even the same area code. A common tactic is to make a call from a number that looks like a fake number and spoof the caller ID to appear as a trusted contact. An actual phone number of someone close to you that you recognize.
This increases the likelihood that you will answer the phone and gives them the opportunity to trick you into divulging personal information or sending money. Of course, this is true if a spoofed phone call is used against you. However, in situations where they use your phone number, they may be scamming someone close to you without your knowledge.
5. Impersonating a government agency
Using these phone spoofing tactics, scammers can use your phone number to impersonate a government officialsuch as IRS employees and Social Security administrators. They may call and claim they have an urgent problem, such as unpaid taxes or suspicious activity involving your Social Security number. These tactics often include threats of legal action or arrest to coerce sensitive information or immediate payment.
6. Calls about fake unpaid bills
Instead of pretending to be from a government agency, scammers may try their luck by pretending to be a representative from a utility company, such as an electric or water company. The scammer claims you have an overdue bill and threatens to terminate your service if you don’t pay it immediately. Using your phone number, they can contact you repeatedly and make the scam seem more legitimate (and imminent).
7. SIM replacement/phone rerouting
SIM exchange or port out scam This is when the scammer transfers your phone number to a new SIM card that they own. By asking your mobile carrier to reroute your phone number, you will be able to receive all calls and messages that include your two-factor authentication code. This allows them to bypass security measures and take over your online accounts.
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8. Steal sensitive data
Using SIM swap technology or port-out, fraudsters can also use your phone number as a key to access sensitive data stored in your online accounts. By initiating password resets and intercepting verification codes sent via SMS, they can gain unauthorized access to users’ emails, social media, and bank accounts, potentially leading to significant personal and financial harm. there is.
9. Setting up fake online accounts
Finally, scammers can use all of the tactics listed above to not only access accounts you already have, but also create fake online accounts in your name. These accounts can be used for a variety of malicious purposes, including spreading malware, committing further fraud, and stealing your identity. The presence of a phone number makes these accounts seem more legitimate and increases the likelihood of deceiving others.
Man receiving a scam call (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
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How to protect yourself from these scams
To keep your phone number out of the hands of scammers, you can:
1. Be careful when sharing your phone number publicly. Don’t post your phone number on public forums, websites, or social media platforms where scammers can easily access it.
2. Limit the publication of your phone number on social media and other online platforms. use Privacy settings Limit who can see your contact information. Most social media platforms and online services provide privacy settings that allow you to control who can see your personal information. Please check and adjust these settings regularly. Share your phone number only with trusted contacts.
3. Consider using a second number for online registration and transactions. Services like Google Voice give you a second number that you can use for your online activities, allowing you to keep your first number private.
4. Regularly monitor your account for unusual activity. Check your bank accounts, email, and other online accounts for signs of unauthorized access or suspicious activity.
5. Use strong antivirus software: The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that can install malware and access your personal information is to install antivirus software on all your devices. This protection also warns you about phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.Get my picks for the best antivirus protection products of 2024 for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
6. Use two-factor authentication apps instead of SMS-based verification when possible. two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an additional layer of security that is more difficult for fraudsters to bypass compared to SMS-based verification.
7. Use an identity theft protection service. Identity theft companies monitor your personal information, such as your social security number, phone number, and email address, and alert you if it is sold on the dark web or used to open an account. It can also help freeze bank and credit card accounts to prevent further misuse by criminals.
One of the best things about using some of our services is identity theft insurance of up to $1 million to cover your losses and legal costs, as well as white glove fraud insurance with a US-based case manager to help you recover your losses. It includes a resolution team. Check out our tips and recommendations on how to protect yourself from identity theft.
8. Delete your personal information from the Internet. While no service can guarantee complete removal of data from the Internet, a data deletion service is a smart choice. They are not cheap and offer no privacy. These services do all of their work by actively monitoring your personal information and systematically removing it from hundreds of websites. This gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase personal data from the internet. Limiting the information available reduces the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from a breach with information they find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you. Check out the data deletion services I recommend here.
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If the scammer already has your phone number
If you think the scammer already has your phone number, follow these steps:
Contact your mobile phone carrier to warn them about scam callsespecially if they come from the same number. Your carrier may be able to block the number or provide additional security measures.
If the problem persists, consider changing your phone number. If you continue to receive fraudulent calls despite your efforts, changing your phone number may be the best solution.
Please report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities. Contact your local law enforcement or consumer protection agency to report the scam and seek advice on further action.
Consider setting up a fraud alert on your account. Fraud alerts help protect your credit and financial accounts from unauthorized access.
Monitor your phone for unusual calls or messages. Be wary of unexpected calls and messages and do not respond.
Check your phone bill for unauthorized charges. Check your phone bill regularly to make sure there are no unexpected charges indicating your number has been compromised.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to phone number fraud and protect your personal information.
Take back your privacy by disabling your mobile carrier’s data tracking
Cart important points
Scams have become much more sophisticated these days, especially with the use of artificial intelligence, making it easier for scammers to target more people and get away with it. Always be wary of scams. If you think something isn’t right, it’s best to go with your gut.
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