Your phone number is a valuable piece of information for hackers for hire. They can use it to steal your phone data, calls SMS, access your social media accounts, and take control of your devices.
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.
If scammers have access to your phone number, they could potentially use it to hack into your online accounts — including your email, social media, and even your bank account.
It is used to verify your identity, communicate with you, and pinpoint your location. It's no wonder that phone numbers are targeted by thieves! Changing your phone number is one of the optimum ways to protect yourself from repeated identity theft.
Scammers are persistent. If they know your name, address, and phone number, they can use this as a launching point to find out more about you online and on public databases. For example, they could research your social media profiles or see if you're included in popular data broker lists.
No—unless you hit a link included in the text. To avoid getting hacked, do not hit any link that comes with a text or email—unless you are absolutely sure of the sender's identity.
First let's clear up one myth - giving out your bank account number and BSB is fine. "There is no issue in giving out your BSB/account details as it's only possible to deposit funds rather than withdraw funds," an ING spokesperson told Money. "If an unauthorised debit occurs then the debiting institution is liable."
If fraudsters can combine your bank details and other easy-to-find information — such as your Social Security number (SSN), ABA or routing number, checking account number, address, or name — they can easily begin to steal money from your account.
It's impossible to get hacked by simply answering a phone call made through your network service provider.
Once they have your personal information (such as your ID, Social security number, etc.), they can steal your identity and access your bank account. If you're on the job hunt, it's a good idea to set up fraud and credit monitoring to make sure no one is using your credentials for the wrong reasons.
With the help of their phone number, attackers can locate a mobile phone user by triangulation of their masts, read their text messages, log, record and listen into their phone conversations simply by hacking into or otherwise gaining access to the SS7 system.
Can someone hack my phone? Your phone can be hacked, just like any other device with internet connectivity. Phones are particularly tempting targets for hackers because these devices usually have access to a huge amount of user data, from banking information to social media passwords.
Your name, address and date of birth provide enough information to create another 'you'. An identity thief can use a number of methods to find out your personal information and will then use it to open bank accounts, take out credit cards and apply for state benefits in your name.
What they want are account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, and other confidential information that they can use to loot your checking account or run up bills on your credit cards. Identity thieves can take out loans or obtain credit cards and even driver's licenses in your name.
To keep your information safe, we suggest only providing your BSB and account number to people you know and trust (such as family, friends or your employer etc.)
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.
You are likely to get your money back if it is still in the recipient's account and if you report it to your bank: within 10 business days. after 10 business days — but it will take longer to get your money back. after seven months — if the recipient agrees to the refund.
Contact your bank immediately to let them know what's happened and ask if you can get a refund. Most banks should reimburse you if you've transferred money to someone because of a scam.
You must ask the recipient to enable the read receipts option in their Messages app. Only then can you see if the person has read your text.
Directly replying to a spam text message lets a spammer know that your number is genuine. What happens next They can sell your phone number to other spammers who might bombard you with false promises of free gifts and product offers. Instead, it's best to block and report the number.
Want to know how to block your phone number? If you're eager to hide your information from caller IDs, all you have to do is dial *67 before entering the outgoing number.
In short, the answer is “no.” Which is a good thing, as your name and address are in fact part of the public record. Anyone can get a hold of them. However, because they are public information, they are still tools that identity thieves can use.