What to do if a scammer has your phone number
Having your phone number does not automatically mean a scammer can hack your phone.
But your number can still be useful to them. They can send more targeted texts, try to reset accounts, impersonate you, call you from spoofed numbers, or attempt a SIM swap if they also have enough personal information.
So do not panic. Do secure the accounts that depend on that number.
What a scammer can do with your number
| Risk | What it looks like | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| More scam texts | Bank, delivery, prize, or account alerts | Do not reply. Block and report. |
| More scam calls | Unknown callers pushing urgency | Let calls go to voicemail. |
| Account reset attempts | Codes you did not request | Do not share codes. Change passwords. |
| Impersonation | "This is my new number" to family | Warn close contacts. |
| SIM swap attempt | Your phone loses service suddenly | Call your carrier immediately. |
Watch for SIM swap signs
A SIM swap is when someone takes control of your phone number through the mobile carrier. The FTC says that if a scammer takes control of your cell phone number and account, you should contact your service provider to take back control and then change your account password.
Warning signs:
- Your phone suddenly shows no service.
- You get a notice about a SIM change you did not request.
- You stop receiving calls and texts.
- You are locked out of accounts that use SMS codes.
- Bank or email alerts mention a new device.
If this happens, call your carrier from another phone.
What to secure first
- Email account.
- Bank and payment apps.
- Apple ID or Google account.
- Phone carrier account.
- Password manager.
- Social accounts.
Use a unique password for each one. If an account offers app-based authentication or passkeys, prefer that over SMS when possible.
What not to do
- Do not reply "STOP" to a message that looks like a scam.
- Do not share a one time code.
- Do not call a number from the suspicious text.
- Do not install an app because a caller tells you to.
- Do not assume a text is safe because it knows your name.
Read next
- /us/blog/how-to-block-scam-texts-and-emails-on-iphone/
- /us/blog/online-banking-activity-alert-text-scam/
- /us/blog/gave-scammer-one-time-code/
Sources
- FTC, what to do if a scammer has access to your phone or account: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed
- FTC, recognizing and reporting spam text messages: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages
- The Guardian, what to do if your mobile phone account is hacked or number stolen: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/jun/18/what-to-do-if-your-mobile-phone-account-is-hacked-or-number-stolen-sim-swap-scam