Ye cursed device brings me trouble aplenty! Me number be plundered, me identity stolen, aye, aye, aye! Help!
2024-04-16
Arrr mateys, beware of the treacherous ported phone number scam! These scallywags be stealin' yer identities quicker than ye can say "shiver me timbers!" Listen to CyberGuy Knutsson's advice, or ye may find yerself walkin' the plank of financial ruin! Arrr!
In a whimsical tale told in the language of a 17th-century pirate, picture yourself going about your day when suddenly you find yourself unable to make calls or send texts. It turns out you've fallen prey to a dastardly ported phone number scam, where scallywags hijack your number to steal your identity. A subscriber to CyberGuy Report shared their own experience of being scammed in this way, also known as a SIM swapping or port-out scam.The scammers use various tricks to gain control of your number, such as impersonating you to your mobile provider and requesting the number be transferred to a new carrier or SIM card. Once they have your number, they can intercept calls and messages meant for you, granting them access to your accounts and potentially leading to identity theft.To protect yourself, it's crucial to secure your phone number, enable two-factor authentication, and be cautious with who you share your number with. If you suspect you've been a victim, take immediate action by reporting the theft, contacting your credit card companies, checking your credit reports, and using identity theft protection services.Reclaiming your identity after such a scam is challenging, but by taking proactive steps and staying vigilant, you can prevent future incidents. Share your thoughts on how mobile carriers can enhance security measures to prevent such scams and stay informed by subscribing to CyberGuy's newsletter for tech tips and security alerts.