How to Check if My Phone Number Is on the Dark Web?

  • By Farrukh Mushtaq

    Farrukh Mushtaq

    Author Image

    Farrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.

    See author profile
  • 17 March 2025
  • 15 mins read

Table of Content

Table of Contents

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.

How to Check if Your Phone Number Is on the Dark Web

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.

Discover if Your Most Critical Identifiers Have Been Exposed on the Dark Web

Receive timely alerts and actionable insights with PurePrivacy's Dark Web Monitoring.

Check if your email is on the dark web.

Please enter a valid email.

Here’s what you get:

  • 24/7 Monitoring – Constantly scans the dark web for any signs of your compromised data.
  • Instant Alerts – Notifies you the moment your information appears in a breach, allowing you to act fast.
  • Actionable Security Insights – Provides expert recommendations to help you mitigate risks and secure your digital identity.

Enable Dark Web Monitoring on PureVPN

  1. Download and install the PureVPN app on your device.
  2. Sign in to your PurePrivacy account.
  3. Go to the Dark Web Monitoring section.
Enable Dark Web Monitoring on PureVPN
  1. Click Add Assets to Monitor and enter your Social Security number, email, or other sensitive details.
  2. Verify your information with a confirmation code sent to your email or phone.
Verify your information with a confirmation code sent to your email or phone
  1. If a breach is detected, follow the security recommendations to protect your identity.
  2. Mark breaches as resolved once you’ve secured your accounts.
Mark breaches as resolved once you’ve secured your accounts

7 Signs Your Phone Number Has Been Hacked

Here are the biggest warning signs that your phone number may be compromised:

1. Sudden Loss of Service

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.

2. Receiving Strange Texts or Calls

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.

Receiving Strange Texts or Calls

3. Unexpected Changes to Account Recovery Settings

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.

4. Increased Spam and Phishing Messages

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.

Increased Spam and Phishing Messages

5. Unfamiliar Charges on Your Phone Bill

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.

6. Social Media or Email Account Takeover

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.

7. Bank or Credit Card Alerts for Unauthorized Transactions

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.

More to explore on the Dark Web

5 Immediate Actions to Take If Your Phone Number Is Hacked

Act fast to minimize the damage:

  1. Call your mobile carrier immediately to report the issue and secure your number with a SIM swap PIN.
  2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts, but use an authenticator app instead of SMS-based verification.
  3. Check your accounts for unauthorized changes and update recovery options.
  4. Review your credit reports and bank accounts for any suspicious activity.
  5. Enable PureVPN dark web monitoring to check if your phone number is on the dark markets.

Should I Be Worried if My Phone Number Is on the Dark Web?

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.

Should I Be Worried if My Phone Number Is on the Dark Web

Leaked phone numbers can lead to account takeovers, unauthorized access to financial services, and even identity theft. 

Leaked phone numbers can lead to account takeovers

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.

Use Dark Web Monitoring to Get Alerts About Information Leaks

Your personal information is a target for hackers and scammers, that will ruin your online identity and finances.

Imagine losing your hard-earned money, your reputation, and your peace of mind to a cybercriminal.

With PureVPN, you can scan the Dark Web 24/7 and receive alert notifications whenever someone posts your private information (Email Address, Phone Number, Credit Card Number, SSN, Passport Number). Get instant Dark Web Alerts and the power to stop data breaches dead in their tracks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Can you get your phone number off the dark web?

    Plus

    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.

  • How do I remove my mobile number from all websites?

    Plus

    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.

  • Is my phone number on the dark web free?

    Plus

    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.

  • How do I know if I'm on the dark web?

    Plus

    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.

Wrap Up

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!