Imagine this scenario: you’re going about your daily life and suddenly you can’t make calls or send text messages. You didn’t know it, but you’ve become the latest victim of a ported phone number scam, a devious tactic in which hackers hijack your phone number to take over your identity.
A woman talking on her cell phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What is ported phone number scam?
A CyberGuy Report subscriber contacted us to share that he had been the victim of a ported phone number scam. Also known as a SIM swap or transfer scam, this occurs when a hacker steals a victim’s phone number to control them. Once they have control, they use that number to commit identity theft by gaining access to your other accounts.
A man typing on his cell phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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How Hackers Hijack Your Identity Using a Ported Phone Number Scam
Although there are several ways to transfer a victim’s phone number, one of the most common is to use their stolen personal information to call their mobile provider, pass their security checks and, once finished, request that the number be transfer to a new operator or transfer to a new SIM card that has been sent to them.
Once the scammer successfully transfers the phone number, they receive all calls and messages intended for the victim. This access allows them to bypass security measures such as two-factor authentication (2FA) that sends a code via text message to the phone number associated with an account.
With this power, the scammer can use this method to reset passwords and gain unauthorized access to your personal accounts, whether it be a social media account, online banking account, or another account. Once they continue to gain access to your other accounts, there’s no telling what else they can do.
Image of bank cards (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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How to protect yourself from ported number scams in the future
If you can get out of identity theft once, chances are you’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you don’t end up in that position again. All that being said, it’s important not to blame yourself. Scammers are very sophisticated and are always looking for ways to stay one step ahead of their victims. So, do what you can to stay one step ahead of them:
1) Secure your phone number: If you can take any additional steps to keep your phone number safe, don’t think twice. For example, add a secondary security code or PIN on your Android or iPhone.
2) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security to all your accounts.
3) Secure your email account: Just as you would with your phone, add additional verification methods when possible and notifications if someone logs into your account from another device.
4) Secure your other accounts: Take the same steps for your other accounts, such as your bank or social media accounts. For example, ask to receive notifications whenever there is activity on the account, so you can monitor it and quickly determine whether that activity was performed by you or someone else.
5) Limit who you give your number to: Be careful who you share your phone number with.
6) Consider using a secondary or burner number for online use: This can help protect your primary phone number.
7) Change your password: Use a strong password that is longer than 12 characters (if applicable) and a combination of numbers and upper and lower case letters. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
8) Be careful with emails: Do not open attachments or click on links in emails unless you are sure they are safe. The best way to protect yourself from clicking on malicious links that install malware that can access your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you to any phishing emails either Data ransom scams. Get my picks for the best antivirus protection winners of 2024 for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
How do you know if your identity has been stolen?
You may become aware of a ported phone number scam when your mobile service is unexpectedly interrupted because your number has been ported to a different carrier’s SIM card. These incidents could lead to full-blown identity theft.
A scammer could exploit one-time passwords (OTPs) (unique codes sent to your phone for security verification) to illegally access all the data on your device, including credit card details . This violation could result in you being banned from your own accounts.
When a scammer successfully transfers your phone number to a different provider’s SIM card, you may receive these OTPs intended for you. This allows them to bypass security measures and gain unauthorized access to your accounts, such as email, banking, and social media, which could lead to identity theft.
Regaining control of your phone number and protecting compromised accounts is often a long and difficult process. This underscores the need for you to be proactive, protect your personal information, and remain alert to any unusual activity on your accounts.
Woman holding bank card (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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What to do if a scammer steals your identity
If you discover that your identity has been stolen, whether through this phone port scam or another type of identity theft, there are a few steps you need to take.
Report the theft to your local police department: Some companies may require a police report to remove fraudulent debts from your account.
Visit Identity Theft.gov: This website helps you recover from identity theft. You can answer questions about what happened to you, get your identity theft report, and create a recovery plan just for you.
Contact your credit card companies: Inform them of the situation and follow your procedures to protect your accounts. You may need to close your current accounts and open new ones.
Check your credit reports: Look for accounts or charges you didn’t make and report them.
Place a fraud alert on your credit reports: This makes it difficult for someone else to open new accounts in your name.
Use an identity theft protection service: Identity theft companies can monitor 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. They can also help you freeze your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. One of the best parts of using some services is that they may include identity theft insurance. up to $1 million to cover losses and legal fees and a white-glove fraud resolution team where a US-based case manager helps you recover any losses. See my tips and best options on how to protect yourself from identity theft.
Smart phone with sim card (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Kurt’s Key Takeaways
Unfortunately, once a scammer steals your identity, it can be very difficult to get it back. That being said, there are steps you can take to reclaim your identity while ensuring that your number is not ported again in the future.
What measures do you think mobile operators should implement to prevent ported phone number scams? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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