Phone number hijacked or stolen

Symptoms

• Number suddenly works on someone else's device
• You can't make calls or receive texts at all
• Accounts linked to your number show password reset attempts
• Carrier confirms the line was moved without your request

Likely causes

• CommonSIM swap scam transferring your number to another deviceThis is the most common method of number hijacking.
• CommonPort-out fraud moving your number to a different carrier entirelySimilar to a SIM swap, but the number is ported to a completely different carrier.
• PossibleCompromised carrier account credentials used to make unauthorized changesIf your carrier account login was breached, an attacker can request changes directly.

What to do

1. Contact your carrier immediately, through another line, online chat, or in person, to report the unauthorized transfer and request the number be returned.
2. Ask your carrier to place a port-out freeze or extra security PIN on your account to prevent it from happening again.
3. Change passwords immediately on any accounts that use this number for verification, from a secure device.
4. Enable authenticator app-based two-factor authentication instead of SMS wherever possible.
5. Monitor your financial accounts closely for the following weeks for any unauthorized activity.
6. File a report with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and consider a police report, especially if financial loss occurred.

When to call a pro

Your carrier's fraud/security department should be your first call; involve your bank and file an FTC report if any accounts were accessed.

Safety