How to Stop Someone From Using My Phone Number?

If you start receiving unexpected calls or texts from unfamiliar numbers, it might be a sign that your phone number has been used by someone else. Receiving one-time passwords (OTPs) you did not request can indicate attempts to use your number for unauthorized login. Monitoring your account statements and incoming communication helps to address any signs of misuse quickly.
 

Here are a few signs to know if someone is using my phone number:
 

1. Unexpected Call and Text
   
   If you notice unusual calls or texts from unknown numbers, it can be a sign that someone is using your phone. Sometimes, you may receive an unexpected OPT verification code, meaning that the scammers are trying to sign up using your number. Ignore such random calls, texts, and OTPs.
    
2. Unusual Activity on Your Phone Bill
   
   If you notice unusual activities, such as high bill charges on your phone, it can be a sign that someone else is using your number without permission. They could set up call forwarding to expensive numbers, clone your SIM card to use your number on another device, or sign up for services that add charges to your bill. Thus, constantly monitor your incoming and outgoing call logs to identify any unexpected activity before more costly bills appear.
    
3. Unauthorized Access to Your Accounts
   
   If you find new random devices connected to your social media accounts, such as Facebook and Instagram, it indicates that a hacker might have used your phone number to access your social media account, reset passwords, and verify user identity.

Some scammers pretend to be an organizational agency and ask for personal details to sign the forms to use that information in criminal activities. They can swap the SIMs and bypass two-factor authentication to log in to the secured social media platforms.
 

1. Phishing or smishing scams
   
   Some scammers call you by representing themselves as government agencies or from your bank. Then, they ask for your details, like login credentials, social security numbers, or credit card details.
    
2. Impersonation scams
   
   Scammers may use your phone number to message your friends, family, or relatives and ask for money, pretending to be you.
    
3. SIM swapping
   
   Fraudsters could contact your phone carrier and port your phone number to another SIM card without notifying you. This enables fraudsters to access your messages, calls, and other information.
    
4. Two-factor authentication bypass
   
   If you enable two-factor authentication on your social media accounts, the scammer with your phone number may bypass the code and gain access to the account without authorization.
    

5. Spam calls and text
   
   Scammers may sell your phone number to other fraudsters or criminals to make spam calls and texts. They may send you messages like promotions, lottery winners, offering various services, etc.
    

   

Whether filing a complaint with the FCC, changing your number, or utilizing technology to block and alert against spoofing, taking immediate action can help safeguard your personal information and restore peace of mind.
 

1. File a complaint with the FCC
    

   If you have been spoofed, you can file a complaint with the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). The FCC provides access to complaint data, such as national statistics and helpful legal information.

   
   They take immediate action after you provide all the necessary information, like text messages relevant to the context.
    

2. Change your Mobile number
   
   If you find someone misusing your old phone number for criminal purposes, contact your phone carrier or service provider to change your phone number.
   
   You can change your mobile number from a VoIP service provider like Calilio, which provides a secure virtual phone number that you can use as a second phone number. Virtual numbers allow you to make and receive calls from anywhere on any device with an Internet connection.
    

3. Leave a Voice Mail Message of Being Spoofed
   
   To inform people in your contacts, you can leave a voicemail stating that your number has been spoofed. This will prevent those who have called from your spoof number from leaving a voicemail and calling you again.

   📖 You may also read: What to Do If You Pick Up a Spoof Call?
4. Block Numbers
   
   You can enable the call-blocking feature to block unwanted or spam calls. Blocking suspicious numbers helps to prevent unwanted calls or messages from those attempting to misuse your number.
    
5. Set up an anti-spoofing app on your device
   
   Installing an anti-spoofing app detects and blocks spoof calls in real time, protecting you from potential scams or misuse of your number.
   
   Some apps also offer features that alert you when your number has been compromised, allowing you to take immediate action.

Protecting your phone number from unauthorized use is one of the most important things. With a rise in phone-based fraud, tools, like call blocker apps, credit monitoring services, and VPNs have become necessary in safeguarding personal information. These tools block unwanted calls, monitor suspicious activities, and enhance security with features like two-factor authentication to protect your number.
 

1. Call Blocker Apps
   
   Call blocker apps have features like spam detection, call recording, automatic call blocking, etc. It blocks all incoming calls from any unknown number or area code to save your data from illegal users by banning suspicious numbers. Some popular call blocker apps are Truecaller, Nomorobo, Hiya, and Call Bliss.
    
2. Credit Monitoring Services
   
   Credit monitoring services monitor fraudulent activities, such as opening accounts and purchasing using your phone number. It keeps track of personal information, including your phone number or even your name. You can instantly stop the services if you find anything suspicious with your credit services.
    
3. VPNs (Virtual Private Networks)
   
   VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) encrypt your internet connection, making it difficult for hackers to access your data. They also help protect your phone number from being exposed online, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks. It is essential for maintaining privacy and preventing unauthorized use of your number.
    
4. Two-factor authentication
   
   Enabling two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security. The verification code is sent to your phone to verify your password and mitigate the risk of using your phone number without your consent. Even if the person has your phone number, they must also have a second means of verification to access your account.

If someone uses your phone number to sign up for stuff, simply explore the following options.
 

1. File a complaint with the FCC.
2. Change your Mobile number.
3. Leave a voicemail message about being spoofed.
4. Block scam calls on your phone.
5. Set up an anti-spoofing app on your device.

Scammers can use your phone number without having access to your phone and misuse them in several ways, such as:
 

1. Phone number spoofing
2. Account Creation
3. SIM Swapping
4. Porting Fraud

If you suspect that your phone number is being used by someone else, then immediately call your service provider or phone carrier to stop the service. You can even report to the relevant authorities to take action to secure your information.

You can avoid the spoofing of your phone number by filing a complaint report to the FCC or blocking suspicious calls using a call-blocking feature. You can even call the service provider to change the old number.