How to protect yourself from fraudsters after changing your phone number

Experts warn about the need to remove old phone numbers from all online services. Because numbers are often resold, the former owner may lose control of their accounts if the old number remains linked.

What else to know

This is especially dangerous with bank accounts: missing messages about transactions paves the way for fraudsters to steal money or apply for loans. Similarly, attackers can gain access to social networks and messengers, even with two-factor authentication, if the codes are sent to the old number.

Experts recommend unlinking the old number through the service settings or contacting technical support, using only official numbers at the same time communication channels. In case of losing access to the old number, it is necessary to remove it from the accounts and associate a new one using e-mail or biometric data as alternative methods of authorization.