Hello, is it me you’re looking for? How scammers get your phone number

The article emphasizes the hidden value of phone numbers and the potential risks associated with their misuse in a burgeoning scam industry, particularly through social engineering techniques such as voice phishing (vishing) and SMS phishing (smishing). Unlike traditional fraud methods requiring significant technical expertise, these newer scams leverage sophistication to exploit human psychology. Criminals are able to run extensive operations with minimal resources and can deceive victims using advanced AI technology, such as voice deepfakes, which exemplifies the alarming ease of impersonation that can occur in financial scams.

Notable instances from recent years highlight the effectiveness of these tactics, with examples of significant financial losses resulting from convincing deepfake calls and video chats. This technological advancement in AI has drastically lowered the barriers for new scammers, fostering a rapid increase in phishing incidents, particularly following the launch of large language models like ChatGPT.

Consumer awareness regarding privacy is on the rise, with a majority expressing concern over their personal data, including phone numbers. The article explains the linkage between phone numbers and targeted advertising, demonstrating how information is tracked and gathered from user interactions on apps and websites, often without explicit consent. Data brokers play a significant role in this ecosystem, collecting and selling phone numbers by amalgamating information from a variety of sources, which can inadvertently expose consumers to further risk.

Scammers also acquire phone numbers through various means, including public social media profiles, data breaches involving weak passwords, and autodialers that confirm active numbers through unsolicited calls. The article cites a specific case involving AT&T where millions of customers had their call and text records compromised due to a third-party data leak, illustrating the vulnerabilities inherent in the modern digital landscape.

In light of these threats, the article offers practical advice for protecting one’s phone number. Key recommendations include being vigilant against phishing attempts, consulting with service providers for enhanced SIM security, employing two-factor authentication using more secure methods than SMS, and being cautious about sharing phone numbers online. Alternative strategies for online purchases, such as using pre-paid SIM cards or VoIP services, are also suggested to enhance security.

Despite the prevalence of data retention by third parties and the risks of leaks, the article advises against a state of perpetual paranoia. Instead, it underscores the importance of responsible online behavior and maintaining a high level of cyber hygiene. The article concludes by stressing that vigilance remains crucial in navigating the complexities of a digital environment increasingly influenced by AI capabilities, which continue to reshape the landscape of personal security and privacy.