Once a hacker has your phone number, they can use it to gain access to your personal information, financial accounts, and even your physical location. They can also use it to send you spam or phishing messages.
Savvy scammers know that by hijacking your mobile phone number they can assume your identity, intercept security protocols sent to your phone, and gain access to your financial and social media accounts. One way to hijack your phone number is through a porting-out scam.
Such apps can be used to remotely view text messages, emails, internet history, and photos; log phone calls and GPS locations; some may even hijack the phone's mic to record conversations made in person. Basically, almost anything a hacker could possibly want to do with your phone, these apps would allow.
There are a few benefits of changing your cell phone number after you have been victimized. One benefit is outright stopping criminals from using your number to commit crimes. Another is keeping your information safe if it was sold on the dark web as part of a data breach.
Scammers and hackers can use your phone number in numerous ways to compromise your data. If you think a phone number is only a means of communication, think again. Some criminals use cell phone numbers to impersonate others, steal private information, and access financial benefits.
With just your name and phone number:
Fraudsters could impersonate you and convince your service provider to assign them a new SIM card in your name. Once they put the new SIM card into their phone, they can start using your phone number instantly. Your name will show up on the caller ID when they make outgoing calls.
Mysterious apps, calls, or texts appear: A potential telltale sign that your phone has been hacked is the appearance of new apps that you didn't download, along with spikes in data usage that you can't account for. Likewise, if you see calls in your phone's call log that you didn't make, that's a warning as well.
Anomalous data usage
If you notice any strange data usage spikes, it may be a sign of spy apps. If someone is spying on your cell phone, they're using the network to download the data collected on you. If, for some reason, you're not tracking your data usage, you should start paying attention right away.
Step 1: Change your passwords
On accounts or devices that contain sensitive information, make sure your password is strong, unique—and not easily guessable. Adding your birthday to your mother's maiden name won't cut it.
There are several ways someone can hack a phone, including using phishing attacks, tracking software, and unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
4. File a Complaint with FCC. If you believe that your phone number has been spoofed and you want to stop it, then you can file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Consumer Complaint Center.
The easiest way to become a victim of a bank scam is to share your banking info — e.g., account numbers, PIN codes, social security number — with someone you don't know well and trust. If someone asks for sensitive banking details, proceed with caution.
Code to verify if your phone is being tracked
Hackers can easily track the location of your phone. Use these codes if you suspect cybercriminals are tapping or tracking your Android — enter *#*#4636#*#* or *#*#197328640#*#* via the dialer pad.
Phishing emails and smishing texts via SMS or WhatsApp are among the most common types of fraud. Your iPhone could be hacked if you reply, call the numbers, or click on any malicious links.
If a hacker knows your email address, they can use a variety of email hacking techniques to crack it. They can send you phishing emails or try to crack your password. People with physical access to your device can install a keylogger or use parental control software to monitor your emails.
If you suspect your phone is being monitored, check the Storage section in your settings. Here, you should be able to see how much data is being consumed by what. If you notice your device is using more data than usual, that could be an indicator of spyware.
Spyware can be used by anyone, not just hackers
One popular app, mSpy, boasts the ability to monitor text messages, calls and social media interactions. The app can be installed remotely on an iPhone if you have the proper iCloud credentials. For Android phones, someone will need to install it on the phone directly.
Yes, you should be able to remove a hacker by doing a factory reset on your phone. Keep in mind that this solution will remove all of your data, including contacts, third-party apps, photos, and other files. You will need to set up your phone entirely from scratch.
While it is technically possible for a phone to be hacked when turned off, the risks are relatively low, and the likelihood of an attack occurring is even lower. However, it is essential to remember that phones can still be vulnerable to hacking when turned on, especially if they are not adequately secured.
There are other signs of a hacked phone, such as reduced screenshot quality, unusually high data usage, and apps crashing randomly. If you notice any of these signs, you can take immediate steps to protect your device by downloading a security tool that can scan your device for risks and remediate threats.
Call the bank's hot line, usually printed on the back of your bank card, and report the incident. If you have transferred money to a phisher, report the incident to your local police. Inspect your statements carefully for signs of account misuse. Determine if you want to put a lock on your credit records.
Anyone can get a hold of them. However, because they are public information, they are still tools that identity thieves can use. If you think of your identity as a jigsaw puzzle, your name and address are the first two pieces that they can use to build a bigger picture and ultimately put your identity at risk.
Cyber criminals may contact you via email, text, phone call or via social media. They will often pretend to be someone (or an organisation) you trust. If you've been tricked into sharing personal information with a scammer, you can take immediate steps to protect yourself. Contact your bank and let them know.