Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Port Out Scam Mobile Number Transfer - How to Protect Yourself
Port Out Scam Mobile Number Transfer - How to Protect Yourself

A port-out scam occurs when a criminal impersonates you to convince your mobile carrier to transfer your phone number to a different carrier or device they control. Once they have your number, they can intercept calls and text-based two-factor authentication (2FA) codes to drain your bank accounts and hijack your social media.

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.
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