Identity theft telephone number scams occur when criminals hijack or spoof your phone number to impersonate you, bypass authentication, or scam others. This form of identity theft exploits phone-based verification systems.
Scammers use techniques like SIM swapping or call spoofing to take control of your number. In SIM swapping, they port your number to a new SIM card under their control. Call spoofing displays your number on caller ID without actually using it.
| Type | Method | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| SIM Swapping | Ports your number to a new SIM | Access accounts using SMS verification |
| Call Spoofing | Displays your number on caller ID | Scam others by pretending to be you |
This scam targets anyone with online accounts secured by SMS verification. Scammers aim to bypass two-factor authentication (2FA) or trick contacts into transferring money. According to the Federal Trade Commission, reports of SIM swapping surged 400% between 2018 and 2020.
In 2021, a Florida man lost $12,000 after scammers spoofed his number to call his mother, claiming he was in trouble and needed cash. She wired the money before realizing it wasn't him.