What to Do if a Scammer Has Your Number

Getting a scam call used to be just a weird annoyance. Now? If a scammer actually has your number, well, nothing good is about to happen. From phone number hacked attempts to shady scam phone numbers, these people can wreak havoc fast: from stolen money to identity theft. The good news: you can slam the door on them before they do any real damage.

Here’s your step-by-step survival guide for what to do if a scammer has your number — plus how to keep your digits safe going forward.

8 steps to take if a scammer has your number

What happens if a scammer gets your phone number? Before you panic and toss your phone in a lake, here’s a more productive plan of attack.

1. Block the scammer’s number

Yes, it’s obvious, but it works — at least for that specific scam line. On most smartphones, you can block a number with a couple of taps. This stops them from calling you again from that number (though they might try others; scammers love switching things up). Think of it as locking one door while you work on securing the rest of the house.

2. Register your number with the national do not call registry

Head to the FTC’s official do not call registry and sign up. While this won’t block every scam call, it can help filter out legitimate telemarketers. Bonus: it’s free and takes about a minute. It’s like putting up a big “No Soliciting” sign in the digital world.

3. Contact your mobile service provider

Tell them your phone number was hacked or is being used in a scam. They can add extra account protections, monitor for suspicious activity, and even help with a temporary number change if needed. The sooner they know, the faster they can put extra locks on your account.

4. Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity

If scammers have your number, they might try to break into accounts that use your phone for verification. Keep a hawk eye on your bank, email, and social media accounts for logins you don’t recognize. You can also set up account alerts for extra peace of mind. A quick daily check can catch trouble before it snowballs.

5. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

This makes it way harder for anyone to get in, even if they have your number. Opt for an authenticator app instead of text codes when possible; it’s safer and less vulnerable to SIM swapping. Think of it as adding a deadbolt to your digital doors.

6. Report the scammer to authorities

File a complaint with the FTC or your local consumer protection agency. If they’re impersonating a business, you can also alert that company so they can warn others. Reports help build cases against repeat offenders and can protect others from the same scam.

7. Communicate with friends and family

If you suspect someone is using my phone number, your contacts might get scammy texts or calls that look like they’re from you. Shoot them a quick message like, “Hey, there’s someone using my phone number — don’t click any links or answer weird calls from me right now.” This stops the scam from spreading in your personal network and keeps your people on alert.

8. Consider a temporary number change

This is the nuclear option, but if you’re getting flooded with scam calls or someone is actively impersonating you, it might be worth it. It’s a hassle, but sometimes a fresh start is the cleanest break from persistent scammers.

What can scammers do with your phone number?

Losing your number to a scammer isn’t just about annoying calls; it also opens the door to nastier schemes.

• Identity theft: They can use personal info tied to your number to open accounts in your name. This can wreck your credit and take months or even years to fully untangle.
• Phone cloning: Copying your SIM card so they can make calls and send texts as you. It’s like giving them a duplicate set of keys to your entire digital life.
• Phishing attempts: Sending fake links that steal your logins or financial info. One careless click could give them exactly what they need to drain your accounts.
• SIM swapping: Taking over your number to break into your accounts. Once they’re in, they can reset passwords and lock you out completely.
• Subscription to premium services: Signing you up for expensive paid texts or services. You’ll only notice when your phone bill suddenly looks like a car payment.
• Social engineering: Pretending to be you to get more info from friends, family, or businesses. With enough small details, they can pull off bigger scams in your name.

How to avoid future scams

You can’t stop scammers from existing, but you can make yourself a harder target.

• Avoid sharing phone numbers publicly: Don’t post it on social media or unsecured websites. Even a quick “DM me” post can hand your digits to a bot scraping for targets.
• Regularly update privacy settings on online accounts: Lock down who can see your contact info on social and other platforms. Platforms change their settings often, so review them every few months.
• Be cautious with unsolicited calls or messages: Hang up or delete. Don’t engage. If it’s important, the caller will leave a legitimate voicemail or follow up through official channels.
• Consider using call-blocking apps or technologies: Services like Hiya or Nomorobo can filter scam phone numbers before they even ring. Many phones also have built-in spam filters you can toggle on in seconds.

For more security tips, check out our guides on digital security, how to protect your digital footprint, steps to take after identity theft, and how to avoid online scams.

Stay a Step Ahead of Scammers  

Scammers are creative … and not in a good way. But now you know what to do if a scammer has your number, you can shut them down fast, protect your accounts, and keep your friends from getting spammed. Stay vigilant, lock down your info, and make your number a fortress they can’t break into.

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