How Do Scammers Get Your Number?

Short answer: Scammers get your phone number through data breaches, buying lists from third parties, public records, social media oversharing, fake apps, phishing, SIM swapping, and public WiFi hacking. Protect yourself by using caution with sharing your number, recognizing scam signs, using two-factor authentication, and employing a virtual number service for sensitive transactions.

Ever received a suspicious text message or call from someone claiming to be from your bank but something just felt… off? You’re not alone. Phone scams are skyrocketing, with millions of people targeted daily. But have you ever wondered exactly how these scammers got hold of your personal phone number in the first place?

Let’s dive into the shadowy world of how scammers obtain your phone number and, more importantly, what you can do to protect yourself.

Data Breaches

Think about how many websites and apps have your phone number. Dozens? Hundreds? Each one is a potential vulnerability.

When major companies suffer data breaches, your personal information—including your phone number—can be exposed. These databases are then sold on the dark web to the highest bidder. Remember that retail store loyalty program you signed up for years ago? If they had poor security, your number might already be in a scammer’s database.

Did you know? The average cost of a data breach reached $4.45 million in 2023, with customer personal data being the most commonly exposed information type.

They’re Buying and Selling You

Have you ever wondered why you started getting spam calls right after entering a contest or signing up for a “free” service?

Scammers purchase phone number lists from shady third-party data brokers. These brokers compile information from various sources—legitimate and illegitimate—and sell them to whoever is willing to pay. Sometimes, your number is bundled with additional information about you, creating a comprehensive profile that makes scams more convincing.

The price for basic personal details of an American, including their phone number, is just $8 on the dark web.

Public Records: Your Information Is Out There

When was the last time you checked what personal information is publicly available about you?

Many people don’t realise that phone numbers often appear in public records like property documents, business registrations, and court filings. Scammers systematically scrape these records to build their contact lists. What seems like a random call might actually be very targeted based on public information about you.

Your social media profiles might be revealing more than you think. Do any of these sound familiar?

Posted your number in a comment or public post
Listed your contact info on a public profile
Shared photos that inadvertently show your phone number (like on a business card or form)
Use Facebook or other platforms to log into services that collect your phone number

Scammers employ sophisticated scraping tools to harvest phone numbers from social media platforms. They know exactly where to look and how to collect this information efficiently.

Number Generators

Some scammers don’t even need to steal your number—they just guess it.

Using auto-dialers and number generators, scammers can systematically call thousands of numbers in sequence. When they hit an active number (yours), it gets flagged for future scam attempts. This explains why you might receive scam calls even if you’ve been careful about sharing your number online.

App Traps: When “Free” Costs Your Privacy

That flashy new free app might be designed with one purpose: to collect your data.

Malicious apps request permissions they don’t actually need to function. When you grant these permissions without a second thought, you’re potentially giving away your phone number and other contact information. These fake apps can even access your contacts list, putting your friends and family at risk too.

Have you ever received an email claiming you’ve won something amazing or that there’s a problem with one of your accounts?

Phishing attempts trick you into voluntarily providing your phone number. They create convincing emails, texts, or websites that mimic legitimate organizations, prompting you to “verify your information” or “claim your prize.” Once they have your number, the real scam begins.

The Advanced Tactics: Technical Exploitation

Beyond simple collection methods, sophisticated scammers use technical means:

SIM Swapping

In this alarming attack, scammers gather enough personal information to convince your mobile carrier that they’re you. They request a SIM transfer to a new device, effectively hijacking your phone number. Once controlled, they can intercept calls, texts, and even bypass two-factor authentication on your accounts.

One prominent victim was former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. Hackers took over his Twitter account using SIM swapping and posted unauthorized tweets.

Public WiFi Vulnerabilities

That “free” coffee shop WiFi might be costing more than you think. Unsecured public networks can be easily monitored by hackers using simple tools. When you browse or enter information on these networks, scammers can intercept the data—including your phone number if you enter it on any website.

What Scammers Do With Your Number

Once they have your number, scammers can:

Make convincing scam calls – They may impersonate government agencies like HMRC or the IRS, which reportedly received 600,000 impersonation complaints in 2021 alone
Take over your accounts – Your phone number is often used for account recovery and two-factor authentication
Steal your identity – Combined with other personal information, your phone number can help scammers build a profile to commit identity theft
Access your financial accounts – Through SIM swapping, they can intercept authentication texts from your bank

How to Tell If It’s a Scam Call

Be suspicious when:

You receive unsolicited calls, especially from government agencies or major companies
The caller creates a sense of urgency or fear
They ask for personal information or passwords
They request remote access to your device
The caller has poor English (many scam calls originate overseas)
You receive a call, they hang up, and wait for you to call back (this could result in expensive charges)

Protecting Your Phone Number

Now that you know how scammers get your number, here’s how to protect yourself:

Think twice before providing your real phone number. Ask yourself:

Does this service really need my actual number?
What’s their privacy policy regarding my data?
Could I use an alternative contact method?

Look for security indicators like HTTPS and valid SSL/TLS certificates when entering your number on websites.

Use Call Blockers and Screening

Most smartphones now include built-in features to:

Block specific numbers
Silence unknown callers
Screen calls through assistant services

Third-party apps can provide even more robust protection against known scam numbers.

Recognize the Warning Signs

Red flags that a call or text might be from a scammer:

Urgent requests for personal information
Claims about problems with accounts you don’t have
Offers that seem too good to be true
Pressure to act immediately
Unusual or suspicious links in text messages
Calls from numbers similar to yours (neighbour spoofing)

Strengthen Your Digital Security

Simple steps make a big difference:

Enable two-factor authentication that doesn’t rely solely on SMS
Regularly check for data breaches involving your information
Use different passwords for different services
Be cautious about apps you download and their permissions
Consider using a virtual SMS number for online services

Consider a Virtual Number Service

One phone number for friends and family, another for everything else.

Using a virtual phone number service creates a buffer between you and potential scammers. These services let you receive text messages without exposing your real number, making them perfect for online shopping, social media verification, and other services where your privacy matters.

When Prevention Fails: What to Do If Scammers Have Your Number

If you’re already experiencing scam calls or texts:

Don’t engage – Responding only confirms your number is active
Block suspicious numbers – Most phones have built-in blocking features
Report scams to your local consumer protection agency
Register with Do Not Call lists (though sophisticated scammers often ignore these)
Consider changing your number as a last resort
Be extra vigilant about other accounts that use this number for verification

The most effective response to a suspected scam call? Simply hang up. Don’t say anything—just end the call.

Taking Back Control of Your Number

Scammers are resourceful, but knowing their tactics helps you stay one step ahead. Remember, your phone number is a direct line to you and should be protected accordingly.

For businesses concerned about secure messaging and protecting customer information, SMS security should be a top priority. Using reputable SMS service providers ensures your messages are encrypted and your customer information remains secure.

If you’re looking for a reliable, secure way to handle SMS communications for your business, 160.com.au offers enterprise-level security for all your text messaging needs. As Australia’s trusted SMS provider since 2000, 160 delivers secure, reliable messaging solutions without monthly fees or contracts. Their cloud-based platform includes features like two-way messaging, personalization, and comprehensive security measures to keep your communications private and protected.

Remember: Your phone number is valuable—treat it that way.