Can a scammer get into your bank account with your phone number?
If scammers have access to your phone number, they could potentially use it to hack into your online accounts — including your email, social media, and even your bank account.
So, can your cell phone be hacked by answering a call? No, but the FTC has warned of an emerging phone threat: deep fakes, where scammers use artificial intelligence (AI) or other digital technology to clone your voice, and then call a loved one pretending to be you and needing money.
The easiest way to become a victim of a bank scam is to share your banking info — e.g., account numbers, PIN codes, social security number — with someone you don't know well and trust. If someone asks for sensitive banking details, proceed with caution.
A phone number alone is not enough for someone to hack your bank account. But, as outlined above with regard to someone having your email address, someone with your phone number could potentially call or text you as part of a phishing scam with the ultimate aim of hacking money from your accounts.
Beware of the latest bank phone call scam, which involves scammers impersonating bank call centers and fraud departments. These scammers will try to trick you into telling them your personal data so that they can hack into your accounts.
What numbers should you avoid answering? The most common area codes you should avoid answering calls from are 473, 809, and 900. Be suspicious of any international numbers and area codes unless you are expecting an international call.
What they want are account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, and other confidential information that they can use to loot your checking account or run up bills on your credit cards. Identity thieves can take out loans or obtain credit cards and even driver's licenses in your name.
Your bank account number alone is not enough for someone to withdraw money from your account. Scammers can use your bank account and routing number to commit ACH fraud, make online purchases, deposit money for illegal activities, and create fraudulent checks.
Protecting your bank account from fraud, scams and identity theft starts with a plan. By using different passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, downloading a VPN, updating and patching your software, and installing ad blockers, you can help protect your personal information.
Identity theft: Criminals can use your banking information and any other personal data they collect to steal your identity. These schemes are often employed to open new credit cards, receive your tax returns and commit other unpleasant forms of fraud.
Can someone have access to your bank account with your phone number?
While it is highly unlikely for someone to directly hack your bank account solely based on having your phone number, it's crucial to remain vigilant about account security.
With just your name and phone number:
Fraudsters could impersonate you and have your service provider activate a new SIM card in your name. Once they put the new SIM card into their phone, they can start using your phone number instantly. Your name will show up on the caller ID when they make outgoing calls.
If you paid by bank transfer or Direct Debit
Contact your bank immediately to let them know what's happened and ask if you can get a refund. Most banks should reimburse you if you've transferred money to someone because of a scam.
Savvy scammers know that by hijacking your mobile phone number they can assume your identity, intercept security protocols sent to your phone, and gain access to your financial and social media accounts. One way to hijack your phone number is through a porting-out scam.
If someone contacts you claiming to be from your bank, but you didn't initiate the contact, proceed with extreme caution. Legitimate bank staff typically only contact customers regarding suspicious account activity or to follow up on a previous inquiry. They don't cold call to “confirm” personal information.
- 865-630-4266.
- 469-709-7630.
- 805-637-7243.
- 858-605-9622.
- 863-532-7969.
- 904-495-2559.
- 312-339-1227.
- 917-540-7996.
Spoofed phone numbers are a common tool used by scammers to disguise their identity and deceive individuals. Utilizing apps like Truecaller and Hiya or IRBIS can aid in identifying and blocking spoofed numbers, offering protection against community-based spam and fraudulent calls.
Consumers can file complaints with the FCC by going to fcc.gov/complaints. You should choose the phone form and the unwanted calls issue for all complaints involving unwanted calls, including if your number is being spoofed, blocked, or labeled.
Never give out personal information.
Even telling a scammer where you live or disclosing your email address can help them find other pieces of your identity on social media or from lists on the Dark Web.
You might be dealing with an online scammer if they request sensitive personal information, money, or insist on speaking on a chat app of their choice. You might be dealing with an online scammer if they request sensitive personal information, money, or insist on speaking on a chat app of their choice.
Will a scammer talk to you everyday?
They use many methods to try to gain your trust. Scammers may make up a noble international profession to explain why they can't meet you in person. They may talk to you many times a day, making you feel like you really know them.
Protecting Your Account & Routing Numbers
If a criminal has both your routing number and account number they can potentially steal money from your account through fraudulent ACH transfers and payments.
The goal of any bank scam is to get access to your bank account. Unfortunately (for scammers), they can't get access to your account without your help. Bank scams require that you share personal financial information with a scammer, install malware on your devices, or use unverified checks and other banking material.
It's generally considered safe to give out your account number and sort code, but you should always use common sense and avoid sharing your bank details with people you don't know or expect payments from.
Bank | Forbes Advisor Rating | Products |
---|---|---|
Chase Bank | 5.0 | Checking, Savings, CDs |
Bank of America | 4.2 | Checking, Savings, CDs |
Wells Fargo Bank | 4.0 | Savings, checking, money market accounts, CDs |
Citi® | 4.0 | Checking, savings, CDs |
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