Port Out Scam Mobile Number Transfer - How to Protect Yourself

Warning Signs

• Sudden "No Service": Your phone suddenly goes dark, displays "SOS only," or only allows emergency calls.
• Unauthorized Porting Text: You receive a text message from your carrier notifying you that a request to transfer your number has been made.
• Random Security Codes: You start receiving one-time passwords or MFA codes you didn't request.
• Financial Red Flags: Unauthorized bank transfers or notifications of changed account passwords.

If You've Been Targeted

1. Call Your Mobile Carrier Immediately: Tell them your number was ported without your consent. Ask them to port it back and secure your account with a high-security PIN.
2. Contact Your Banks: Inform all financial institutions that your phone was hijacked so they can freeze your accounts and watch for fraud.
3. Change Passwords: Immediately update credentials for email, social media, and any account that uses your phone number for recovery.
4. File Reports: Notify your local police and file a complaint with the FCC or FTC.

How to Prevent It

• Enable Port Validation: Contact your carrier (like AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon) and request a Transfer Pin or "Port-Out PIN" that must be provided before any number can be moved.
• Switch 2FA Methods: Move away from SMS-based verification and use authenticator apps like Google Authenticator or physical security keys.
• Limit Personal Info: Don't share your birthday, address, or full phone number on public social media profiles, as scammers use this data to impersonate you to customer service.