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.

VOTE HERE

Target Offering $30 Thanksgiving Dinner That Feeds Six People

Thanksgiving dinner doesn't have to cost a fortune, and Target is hoping to make the holiday a little easier on shoppers' wallets this year.

The retailer has announced a $30 Thanksgiving meal deal designed to feed up to six people, giving families an affordable way to put a traditional holiday dinner on the table without spending a small fortune.

For just $30, shoppers can pick up nine items, including a turkey and several classic Thanksgiving favorites.

What's Included in Target's $30 Thanksgiving Meal?

The meal package includes:

• Butterball Premium Whole Young Turkey: Up to 10 pounds

• Good & Gather Russet Potatoes: 3-pound bag

• Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce: 14 ounces

• Del Monte French Style Green Beans: Two 14.5-ounce cans

• Campbell's Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: 10.5 ounces

• Good & Gather French Fried Onions: 6 ounces

• Stove Top Turkey Stuffing Mix: 6 ounces

• Heinz Homestyle Turkey Gravy: 12 ounces

• Favorite Day Take & Bake Baguettes: Two-count package

That's a turkey, stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, gravy and bread for a total of $30. Not bad for a Thanksgiving feast!

More Thanksgiving Deals at Target

Target isn't stopping with the $30 dinner. The retailer is also expanding its selection of affordable holiday foods, including $5 sides, pies, appetizers and wine.

Some of the new options shoppers can look forward to include:

Sides: Good & Gather Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Parmesan Cheese Topped Roasted Vegetables.

Desserts: Favorite Day pies in new sizes and flavors, including Apple Caramel Crumb.

Appetizers: More than 10 new Good & Gather frozen appetizers, including Blueberry and Brie Cheese Sticks and Feta Cheese and Honey Cheese Bites.

Target also plans to roll out additional limited-time promotions throughout November as Thanksgiving approaches.

With grocery prices still a concern for many families, a $30 dinner for six could be an appealing option for anyone trying to keep holiday spending under control.

Target is joining several other major retailers offering budget-friendly Thanksgiving meal promotions this year. And with more holiday deals expected to arrive in the coming weeks, shoppers may have even more opportunities to save.

The bottom line: Feeding six people Thanksgiving dinner for $30 sounds like a pretty good deal. Now let's just hope someone else volunteers to do the dishes!

California Election 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before Heading to the Polls

It's Election Day in California! Millions of voters across the Golden State are heading to the polls Tuesday, November 3, to make some important decisions that could shape the future of the state and Southern California.

This year's General Election includes a major race for California governor, along with two high-profile contests in Los Angeles: the race for mayor and the race for LA County sheriff.

Whether you're voting in person, dropping off a ballot, or still trying to figure out what's on the ballot, here's your guide to the 2026 California General Election, including the candidates, important deadlines, voting locations, and when to expect results.

What's on the Ballot?

California Governor

With Governor Gavin Newsom unable to seek another term because of term limits, California voters will choose a new leader.

The two candidates are:

• Xavier Becerra (Democrat): Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and former California Attorney General. Becerra is campaigning on his record of public service and promises to continue California's progressive direction.

• Steve Hilton (Republican): Political commentator, entrepreneur, and former policy adviser. Hilton is positioning himself as an outsider who wants to change the direction of the state.

The race is especially notable because California hasn't elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger won re-election in 2006.

Los Angeles Mayor

Los Angeles voters will decide who leads the city for the next four years in a runoff election featuring:

• Karen Bass (Incumbent): The current mayor is seeking a second term.

• Nithya Raman: LA City Councilmember representing District 4.

Major issues in the race include homelessness, affordable housing, public safety, and preparing Los Angeles to host the 2028 Olympic Games.

Los Angeles County Sheriff

The race for LA County Sheriff features a rematch between two familiar names. The sheriff oversees one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the country.

• Robert Luna (Incumbent): The current sheriff is seeking a second term.

• Alex Villanueva: The former LA County sheriff is attempting to reclaim his old job.

Important California Election Dates

Here's a look at the key dates surrounding the 2026 General Election:

• October 5: Mail-in ballots begin going out to registered voters.

• October 6: Official ballot drop boxes open.

• October 19: Voter registration deadline. Same-day registration is still available.

• October 24: Some early voting centers open.

• October 31: Early in-person voting locations open throughout California.

• November 3 (Election Day): Last day to vote in person or return a ballot by 8 p.m.

• November 10: Deadline for counties to receive vote-by-mail ballots postmarked by Election Day.

• December 11: Deadline for official certified election results.

How to Register to Vote

The regular voter registration deadline for this election was October 19, 2026. However, if you missed it, you still have an option.

California offers Same-Day Voter Registration, also known as Conditional Voter Registration. Eligible residents can register or update their registration in person at a county elections office or designated voting location through Election Day.

To register, you'll generally need your California driver's license or identification number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth.

You can check your current registration status, polling information, and party preference at:

California Voter Registration Status

Where Can You Vote?

California voters have several options for casting their ballots.

Early voting locations are available throughout the state, with some locations opening October 24 and additional locations opening October 31.

Most voting centers are open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Election Day, November 3, voting centers will have extended hours, opening at 7 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m.

To find your nearest voting center, enter your ZIP code on the California Secretary of State's website:

Find Your California Voting Location

You can also scan the QR code inside your Official Sample Ballot to locate nearby voting centers and ballot drop boxes.

Mail-In Ballots: How to Return Yours

All registered California voters are eligible to receive a vote-by-mail ballot.

If you haven't voted yet, you can return your completed ballot in three ways:

• By mail: Your ballot must be postmarked on or before November 3.

• Official drop box: Deposit your ballot at a secure ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

• County elections office: Deliver your completed ballot directly to your county elections office.

For ballots returned by mail, counties must receive them by November 10, provided they were postmarked by Election Day.

You can find official ballot drop box locations here:

California Ballot Drop Box Locator

How to Track Your Mail-In Ballot

Wondering whether your ballot actually made it to the elections office?

California has a free tracking service called Where's My Ballot? that lets voters follow their ballot through the entire process.

After signing up, you can receive updates when your ballot is:

• Mailed to you.

• Received by election officials.

• Counted.

You can choose to receive notifications by email, text message, or phone call.

Sign up here: Where's My Ballot?

When Will Election Results Be Available?

The first election results are expected to appear shortly after California polling locations close at 8 p.m. Tuesday night.

Voters can follow the results through the California Secretary of State's official election results website:

California Election Results

Results will be updated throughout Election Night and on subsequent days as election officials continue counting outstanding ballots.

Keep in mind that Election Night results are unofficial. California counties have up to 30 days after the election to complete the official canvass, which includes counting all valid ballots and conducting required post-election audits.

The final certified results are scheduled to be posted by December 11, 2026.

How Are California Votes Counted?

Don't be surprised if the results change after Election Night.

California election officials begin reporting results after polls close, with the first numbers typically including ballots received before Election Day, such as mail-in ballots and early in-person votes.

Election officials are also allowed to begin processing vote-by-mail ballots up to 29 days before Election Day. However, those results cannot be released to the public until voting locations close.

After Election Day, counties continue counting remaining ballots, verifying signatures, and conducting required audits. By law, the process can take up to 30 days.

That means the first results you see Tuesday night aren't necessarily the final results.

The Bottom Line: Whether you're deciding who should lead California, choosing the next mayor of Los Angeles, or weighing in on the future of the LA County Sheriff's Department, your vote matters. If you haven't cast your ballot yet, make sure you get it turned in before the 8 p.m. Election Day deadline!