Hackers Could Steal Your Phone Number and Access Your Accounts – Here's How to Stop Them

Your phone number is worth a lot more than you probably realize. It's not just how friends and family get in touch with you. It could also be the key to unlocking your bank accounts, email, social media and other sensitive information.

Here's why: Many companies still rely on text messages to send two-factor authentication (2FA) security codes. If a hacker manages to take control of your phone number, they could potentially intercept those codes and use them to access your accounts.

It's called SIM swapping, and it's a growing security concern.

The scam happens when a criminal tricks your wireless carrier into transferring your phone number to a SIM card or eSIM they control. Once they have your number, they may be able to receive your calls and text messages, including those all-important security codes.

The good news? The major wireless carriers offer free security features that can help prevent this from happening. The bad news? You may have to activate them yourself.

Here's how to lock down your phone number depending on your carrier.

AT&T: Turn On Wireless Account Lock

AT&T offers a feature called Wireless Account Lock. When enabled, it blocks certain account changes, including unauthorized SIM swaps and attempts to transfer your number to another carrier.

Even better, one setting protects every line on your wireless account.

To turn it on:

1. Open the AT&T app.

2. Tap the person icon.

3. Scroll down to Wireless Account Lock.

4. Swipe to enable the feature.

AT&T will send an email to the primary account holder and text messages to active wireless numbers whenever the lock is switched on or off.

T-Mobile: Enable Two Different Protections

T-Mobile customers have two security features worth checking out.

1. SIM Protection

This feature helps prevent someone from transferring your phone number to another SIM card or eSIM.

To activate it:

1. Open the T-Mobile app.

2. Go to Account > Settings > Security.

3. Select SIM Protection.

4. Enable it for your lines.

2. Port Out Protection

This adds another layer of security by helping prevent someone from transferring your phone number to a different wireless carrier.

To find it:

1. Open the T-Mobile app.

2. Go to Account > Manage Add-ons.

3. Scroll down to Line Level Services.

4. Look for Port Out Protection and enable it.

One important detail: Port Out Protection must be activated separately for each line. If you have multiple numbers on your account, make sure they're all protected.

Verizon: Turn On Number Lock and SIM Protection

Verizon customers also have two features designed to protect their phone numbers.

• SIM Protection: Helps block unauthorized SIM and device changes.

• Number Lock: Helps prevent someone from transferring your phone number to another carrier.

To enable both:

1. Open the My Verizon app.

2. Tap Me.

3. Scroll down to Profile & Settings.

4. Find Number Lock and SIM Protection.

5. Turn on both features.

What If You Use a Smaller Wireless Carrier?

If you're with a smaller carrier, don't assume you're out of luck. Many wireless providers offer similar security options.

Try searching for your carrier's name along with the words "SIM protection" or "port out protection."

Some providers worth checking include:

• U.S. Mobile

• Mint Mobile

• Visible

• Cricket Wireless

• Google Fi

• Spectrum Mobile

Check with your carrier for the exact instructions and available features.

One thing to remember: If you ever switch phones or change wireless carriers, you may need to temporarily turn off these protections to complete the transfer. Just remember to turn them back on afterward.

One More Thing: Stop Using Text Messages for Security Codes

Locking down your phone number is a great first step, but there's another way to make your accounts more secure.

Whenever possible, stop relying on text messages for two-factor authentication. Instead, use an authenticator app that generates security codes independently of your phone number.

One option is Proton Authenticator, which is free and available for both iPhone and Android.

An authenticator app won't stop someone from attempting a SIM swap, but it can make it much harder for someone who steals your phone number to use text-based security codes to break into your accounts.

The Bottom Line

Your phone number is connected to more of your digital life than you might think. A successful SIM swap could put your email, financial accounts and personal information at risk.

Take a few minutes today to open your wireless carrier's app and enable the available security protections. If you have multiple lines, make sure each one is covered.

It's a quick, free step that could save you a massive headache down the road.