You are the next target of SIM swapping, phishing attacks, and account takeovers if your phone number is on the dark web!
Increased spam calls or suspicious verification codes might be signs that your phone number has been compromised, but did it end up on the dark web? You must find out and take proper action to prevent further damage that leaked data can cause to your identity.
The blog covers how to check if your phone number is on the dark web and what could be done to manage your data to stay private.
With PureVPN’s Dark Web Monitoring, you get real-time tracking of your data on the dark web to prevent unauthorized use of your sensitive information.
No matter if it is your phone number, email address, Social Security Number, or other critical identifiers, you can ensure you’re notified before cybercriminals can exploit your data.
Receive timely alerts and actionable insights with PurePrivacy's Dark Web Monitoring.
Here’s what you get:
Here are the biggest warning signs that your phone number may be compromised:
If your phone suddenly loses service or displays "No Signal" or "Emergency Calls Only," it could mean someone has transferred your number to a new SIM card, a technique called SIM swapping. By doing so, hackers can intercept calls and texts meant for you, including two-factor authentication (2FA) codes.
Getting texts with verification codes you didn’t request? This suggests someone is trying to access your accounts. You can also receive calls from your own number or unknown sources, which means hackers are spoofing your number for scams.
If you notice that your email, social media, or banking accounts suddenly have different recovery phone numbers or email addresses, someone may have hacked your number and changed the settings.
A hacked phone number often increases spam calls, phishing texts, and scam messages. If you’re receiving links or requests for personal information from unknown senders, don’t click them.
Hackers can subscribe to premium services or make unauthorized international calls using your number. Check your mobile bill for unexpected charges or services you didn’t sign up for.
If you’re locked out of your social media, email, or banking accounts, a hacker may have used your compromised phone number to reset passwords and take control.
If you receive fraud alerts for transactions you didn’t make, hackers may be using your phone number to bypass security checks on financial accounts.
Act fast to minimize the damage:
If your phone number is on the dark web, you have every reason to be concerned!
Unlike a password that can be changed, your phone number is a fixed identifier that connects to your accounts, making it a valuable target for cybercriminals. Once exposed, hackers can use it for SIM swap attacks, where they transfer your number to a new SIM card, allowing them to intercept calls, texts, and even authentication codes meant for you.
Leaked phone numbers can lead to account takeovers, unauthorized access to financial services, and even identity theft.
Beyond that, your number may be used for phishing scams and could be sold on the dark web, where it can be sold multiple times, meaning you could face an ongoing flood of scam calls, spam messages, and security threats.
Once your phone number is on the dark web, there’s no way to remove it completely. However, you can take steps to reduce risks by securing your accounts, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) using an authenticator app instead of SMS, and setting up a SIM swap protection PIN with your mobile carrier.
Removing your mobile number manually can be a hectic task, but you can choose PureVPN to track your data. With PureVPN, you can manage your private details, send opt-out requests, monitor your social media accounts, and prevent data leakages on the dark web.
In some cases, yes. When a data breach occurs, leaked phone numbers may be freely accessible on hacking forums and data dumps. To check if your number is compromised, try PureVPN’s dark web monitoring.
Stay vigilant if you notice any unusual activity linked to your name, email address, or financial transactions. To enhance your security, PureVPN’s Dark Web Monitoring offers a free scan to check if your email has been exposed to dark web threats. With a subscription, you’ll receive a detailed breach summary and actionable steps to minimize risks.
If your email or personal data is exposed on the dark web, it can be exploited! By using PureVPN’s Dark Web Monitoring, you can detect threats early, receive detailed breach insights, and take immediate action to protect your sensitive information. Staying informed!