What to do if a scammer has your phone number

The fear of the “Unknown Caller”

Years ago, before smartphones, you never knew who was calling until you answered the phone. It was just how things worked—people didn’t think twice when the phone rang; they simply picked up.

Now, with caller ID on our mobile devices, the new normal is seeing exactly who’s trying to reach us. So, when something unusual happens—like an “Unknown Caller” notification popping up—our hearts start racing. With all the scam stories out there, it’s hard not to wonder: “Is someone trying to get me to share something I’d rather keep private?”

Research shows we might be right to worry—about 1 in 4 calls from unknown numbers turn out to be spam and fraud. And there are plenty of reasons why people choose to ignore these calls.

Why do scammers want your phone number?

Plainly speaking, scammers often want your phone number because it gives them a way to pry into your life. They might call or text you, trying to catch you off guard and get you to reveal some private information.

Once they have that, they can use it to try to invade your online accounts, steal your identity and create chaos in your name, or even harass you into sending them money. It’s all about exploiting vulnerabilities.

But how do scammers get your phone number?

That’s the trick, isn’t it? How does your private phone number end up in the virtual hands of cybercriminals? The most probable scenario is that your number gets exposed through a data breach. These days, companies store massive amounts of customer information, including phone numbers, in their databases. When these databases get hacked, that data can end up for sale on the dark web.

Another sneaky method is social engineering. Scammers might pose as legitimate businesses, tricking you into sharing your number through phishing emails or shady registration forms. So, if you’re not careful, you might inadvertently hand your number over to criminals yourself.

Similarly, many apps and websites ask for your phone number during the registration process. If these platforms don’t take data security seriously—or worse, if they’re actually run by scammers—your number could be at risk.

What to do if a hacker has your phone number

Let’s get something out of the way— if your phone number is floating around on the dark web or already in the hands of a hacker, there’s no real way to undo it. What’s done is done, and now it’s all about damage control to prevent things from getting worse.

First things first: check if your phone number has actually been compromised. Some people receive scam emails or ads claiming their number has been leaked, but often, it’s just a scare tactic. A tool like NordPass’ Data Breach Scanner can help you figure out if your email address has been breached. If that email is tied to your phone number, it’s a strong indicator that your number might be at risk, too—so it’s worth checking out!

If the scan confirms your data is compromised, it’s time to take action. Here’s a quick list of things you should do next:

• Change passwords linked to your phone: If your phone number is linked to any of your online accounts, it’s a good idea to update those passwords right away. Scammers could try to exploit this weak spot, so better to stay one step ahead.

• Watch out for phishing attempts: If hackers have your number, it’s time to be extra careful with any strange texts or calls. They might try to use it to trick you into giving up even more personal information, so stay vigilant and don’t let your guard down.

• Set up a call and text alert: Some mobile carriers offer services that let you know if something suspicious is happening with your account, like someone trying to transfer your number to another device. These alerts can help you spot potential threats early, like SIM swapping—a trick hackers use to take over your number and get into accounts that rely on your phone for verification.

• Monitor your bank accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. If you notice anything suspicious, report it immediately.

• Educate yourself about security practices: Stay informed about the latest scams and security tips. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to protect yourself in the future.

If you want peace of mind, you must be proactive

The truth is, your online security really comes down to your mindset about it. If you don’t take steps to protect your information, it’ll be way too easy for hackers to get their hands on it. But don’t worry; you don’t have to go overboard—just focus on the essentials. For example, using a solid password manager like NordPass can make a big difference. How so?

First off, NordPass helps you keep all your passwords, passkeys, and credit card information safe in an encrypted vault that only you can access. That alone is a huge win—but it doesn’t stop there. You can also use NordPass as an authenticator app, giving you those handy TOTP codes for two-factor authentication. Plus, it comes with a Data Breach Scanner, which lets you check if your data has been exposed on the dark web. And let’s not forget about Email Masking—a feature that allows you to sign up for services without revealing your true identity, so your data stays out of reach of prying eyes.

Using tools like NordPass and following some simple best practices to keep your information safe from scammers can really up your chances of staying secure online. Plus, the best part is that NordPass isn’t expensive or tricky to set up—it usually takes just a few minutes to get everything going. When you think about it, that’s a tiny time investment compared to the hassle of dealing with stolen data. So, make sure you take steps to protect yourself.