I recently received a concerned email from Linda in Tampa, Florida. Here’s what she had to say about her number takeover scam that suddenly targeted her.
Hi,
Crazy situation, maybe you can solve it. A guy started using our phone number a few months ago, applying for jobs, housing, loans, and more. I received a text answering his request with an offer but I replied “wrong number” but he keeps applying for other deals and care. I also know he lives in a small town outside of Tampa. I found him on Facebook. We don’t understand why he is doing this or what his angle is. I was thinking of changing my phone number, but it’s a hassle because I’ve been using it for years. Can you see his angle and the danger to us? Thanks!
Linda, Tampa, Florida
I’m certainly confused as to why this guy is using Linda’s phone number. Several theories have been sparked as to what his motives are. Learn more about why people use your or someone else’s phone number and what you can do to take action.
Why would someone want to use my phone number?
wrong identity
One possibility, though unlikely, is that the person using your phone number mistakenly believes it to be theirs. Another possibility is that a stranger may have misused your phone number due to typos, errors, or phone number similarities. You may have accidentally entered your phone number when you intended to use your own. They may also intentionally use fake phone numbers to avoid detection or for other malicious purposes.
One possibility, though unlikely, is that the person using your phone number mistakenly believes it to be theirs. Another possibility is that a stranger may have misused your phone number due to typos, errors, or phone number similarities. ( )
cheating
However, one of my main thoughts is that someone could use your phone number as part of a scam. For example, scammers can use your phone number to apply for a loan or housing and then disappear without paying the loan or paying the rent. This can put you at risk of being contacted by creditors or other individuals seeking repayment.
Alternatively, they may be using your phone number to receive calls and texts from individuals they believe are contacting them, in an attempt to defraud those individuals.
Another possibility that someone is using your phone number is that it may be part of a scam. For example, scammers may use your phone number to apply for loans or jobs with a fake identity. If the scammer’s actions are illegal, they may expose themselves to various dangers.
Another possibility that someone is using your phone number is that it may be part of a scam. ( )
What should I do if I find that my phone number has been used fraudulently?
No one should use your phone number except you, regardless of motive. Here are some tips you can follow to protect yourself and your phone number in the future.
- Please contact the authorities. Let the police and phone company know that your phone number is being used continuously without your consent and see how they can help end it.
- Change your phone number: This may be a bit of a hassle, but the compromised safety is far worse than the inconvenience of changing your phone number.To end this invasion of privacy, change your phone number Please consider
How to Get a Free Second Phone Number to Stop Spam Calls
What happens if I give my personal information to a scammer? What next?
Here are the next steps to take if you unintentionally shared your personal information with scammers and become a victim of identity theft.
- Look through bank statements and checking account transactions See where the outlier activity started.
- report a violation To official government agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission.
- Consider obtaining the professional advice of an attorney.
Before consulting law enforcement, especially if you are dealing with criminal identity theft If you cannot secure employment or housing because you are a victim of criminal identity theft. - Before consulting law enforcement, especially if you are dealing with criminal identity theft
- If you become a victim of an identity theft crime and are unable to secure employment or housing.
- Alert all three major credit bureaus May show fraud warnings on your credit report.
- Run your own background checks Or, if you discover that your information has been used by criminals, ask for a copy.
- Use anti-fraud services: Identity theft companies can monitor personal information such as social security numbers, phone numbers, and email addresses and warn you if it is being sold on the dark web or used to open accounts. increase. You can also freeze bank and credit card accounts to prevent further fraudulent use by criminals.
The best parts of using an identity theft protection service like my number 1 pick include identity theft insurance that covers losses and legal fees, and white glove fraud with a US-based case manager to help you recover your losses. Includes resolution team.
For more information, please visit CyberGuy.com/IdentityTheft.
Have you ever used your phone number in a suspicious way? CyberGuy.com/contact . (Kurt Knottson)
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If you are the victim of identity theft, the most important thing is to take immediate action to mitigate the damage and prevent further damage.
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