How to Change Your Phone Number After Identity Theft: The Complete Guide

As an expert in cloud data security with over a decade of experience, I know firsthand the value of your phone number when it comes to protecting your identity and accounts. Unfortunately, once your phone number gets into the wrong hands, it can lead to a snowball effect of fraudulent activity.

So if you‘ve been the victim of identity theft or a data breach compromise, one of the most important steps you can take is getting a new phone number. But where do you start? Changing your number is about more than just calling your cell provider – you need to methodically update your contact info across all websites, services, accounts, and more.

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know about changing your phone number after identity theft. I‘ll explain:

• The risks of keeping a compromised number
• How to request a new number from mobile carriers
• Step-by-step instructions for updating your number on major accounts
• Tips for making the transition smoother

Based on my expertise in data security, I‘ll provide plenty of helpful recommendations and insider insights. By the end, you‘ll feel empowered to take control of your identity and reduce opportunities for repeat fraud or abuse. So let‘s get started!

Why It‘s Critical to Change Your Number

Your phone number is one of your most sensitive personal identifiers – right up there with your Social Security number and bank account details. Scammers who have your phone number can leverage it in numerous ways to exploit your information, including:

• Accessing your existing accounts using phone-based authentication
• Resetting account passwords by having reset codes sent to your number
• Opening new fraudulent accounts and lines of credit in your name
• Obtaining even more of your personal data for identity theft

According to 2021 Identity Fraud Study by Javelin Strategy, about 1 in 3 identity theft victims are re-victimized within the same year. That means if your info is out there, criminals are likely to keep using it unless you take action.

By getting a new phone number, you instantly cut off access via one of the easiest channels for fraudsters. I always recommend my clients change their number immediately following any breach or scam. Here are some of the top benefits:

Stop repeated account access: Two-factor authentication via SMS texts to your phone is common. A new number blocks scammers from using this method to log into your accounts.

Prevent password resets: Most providers allow password resets via call or text to your number. A new number prevents unauthorized resets.

Avoid harassment: Scammers may repeatedly call or text your number seeking more info. A new number relieves this nuisance.

Reduce stress: Constant reminders of the identity theft incident take a mental toll. A new number provides a much-needed fresh start.

Enhance account security: Authentication apps that generate login codes rely on your phone number. A new number boosts security.

Regain privacy: Your number may be sold on the dark web. A new number makes it harder for thieves to exploit you.

Without access to your phone number, cybercriminals will have a much tougher time perpetrating additional fraud in your name. It cuts off a major vulnerability, and that‘s why changing your number is such a critical step following identity theft events.

How to Request a New Number from Your Carrier

The first step is to obtain a new phone number through your mobile provider. Here‘s what you need to know about getting a new cell phone number with major US carriers:

AT&T: AT&T provides customers one free phone number change per year. After that, you‘ll pay a $36 fee. You can request a new number online, through the myAT&T app, or by contacting customer service.

Verizon: Verizon offers its customers one phone number change per year at no charge. After the first free change, there is a $15 fee. Use the My Verizon app or website or contact customer service to change your number.

T-Mobile: T-Mobile allows one complimentary phone number change per year. Additional changes cost $15 each. You‘ll need to log into your T-Mobile account online to submit a number change request.

Sprint: Now owned by T-Mobile, Sprint also provides one free number change per 12 months. Further changes are $15 each. You can easily change your Sprint number online through your account portal.

New carrier: If you want to leave your current provider altogether, you can choose a new carrier and port your existing number or get an entirely new number. However, porting means your old number is still out there attached to your info. Getting a fresh number is safer if your current number was compromised.

When contacting your carrier to request a new cell phone number, be sure to ask:

• How long until the new number becomes active? There is often a lag.

• What happens to your old number? It may stay associated with your account in some records.

• Will changing your number impact your service or require new SIM card?

Address any carrier-specific questions or issues before proceeding. Once you have your new mobile number, it‘s go time!

How to Change Your Number on All Accounts

The next big task is updating your phone number across all your accounts, apps, services, and contacts. This can be a tedious process, but it‘s extremely important following identity theft.

Here are step-by-step guides to changing your number on many top platforms:

Social Media Accounts

Facebook:

1. Click the down arrow icon in the top right corner
2. Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings
3. Select Security and Login in the left sidebar
4. Beside the Mobile Phone heading, click Edit
5. Enter your new phone number and click Confirm
6. Check for a confirmation code via SMS and enter it

Instagram:

1. Tap your profile picture
2. Go to the menu (three lines) > Settings
3. Tap Security > Phone Number
4. Select Remove Phone Number
5. Enter your new phone number and tap Next
6. Confirm with the SMS code

Twitter:

1. Tap your profile icon in the top left
2. Go to Settings and Privacy > Account > Phone
3. Tap Update Number beside your current number
4. Enter and confirm your new phone number
5. Verify using the code sent via SMS

LinkedIn:

1. Click your profile picture
2. Select Settings & Privacy > Account preferences
3. Scroll down to Phone Numbers and click Change
4. Enter your new number and click Send Code
5. Confirm with the verification code texted to you

Be sure to also check other social platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Reddit and update your number in your profile settings.

Email Accounts

Gmail:

1. Open Gmail on your desktop
2. In the top right, click your profile picture > Manage your Google Account
3. On the left sidebar, select Personal Info
4. Click Phone and select Update Number
5. Enter your new phone number and click Next
6. Confirm using the code texted to you

Outlook/Hotmail:

1. Go to account.microsoft.com
2. Click on Your Info
3. Under Contact Info, select Update your number
4. Enter and confirm your new number
5. Complete verification steps

Yahoo Mail:

1. Go to account.yahoo.com
2. In the left sidebar, click Account Info
3. Beside Mobile Phone, click Change
4. Enter your new phone number and select Submit
5. Confirm with the code texted to your number

Shopping & Delivery Accounts

Amazon:

1. Hover over Account & Lists and click Your Account
2. Go to Login & Security > Edit beside mobile number
3. Enter your new phone number and click Verify
4. Confirm with the 6-digit code sent via SMS

eBay:

1. Click your profile icon > Account Settings
2. Under Contact Info, click Update beside Mobile number
3. Enter your new number and click Save
4. Verify using the code sent to your number

Uber:

1. Open the Uber app > Tap the menu lines in top left
2. Go to Settings > Privacy > Phone Number > Update
3. Enter your new number and tap Next
4. Confirm using the SMS verification code

DoorDash:

1. Open the DoorDash app and tap your profile icon
2. Select Settings > Account Details > Phone Number
3. Enter your new number and tap Submit
4. Verify using the texted confirmation code

Financial Accounts

Online banking: Log into your bank‘s website and look for account settings or user profile to update your phone number.

Credit cards: Call the number on the back of each card to update your contact info.

PayPal:

1. Log into your PayPal account
2. Click the Settings icon (gear) > Settings
3. Select Mobile > Update mobile number
4. Enter and confirm your new number
5. Verify using the 6-digit code sent via SMS

Be sure to also change your number with any other financial services, such as Venmo, investment accounts, loan servicers, insurance providers, etc. Contact them directly for account-specific instructions.

Entertainment Accounts

Netflix:

1. Sign into Netflix and hover over your profile picture
2. Choose Account > Update beside Mobile Number
3. Enter your new phone number and Save
4. Confirm with the verification code sent via text

Spotify:

1. Click your profile icon > Account
2. Select Phone Number under User Details
3. Enter your new number and Save
4. Verify using the SMS code

PlayStation Network:

1. Go to playstation.com and sign-in
2. Select PSN Profile > Account Settings
3. Choose Security > Update Phone Number
4. Enter and confirm your new number
5. Complete verification

Utilities & Other Accounts

Don‘t forget to update your phone number with any regular service providers, such as:

• Electric, gas, water services
• Insurance (health, auto, home, life)
• Cable/internet service
• Gym/memberships
• Doctor‘s offices
• Rewards accounts (airlines, hotels, retail)
• Online forums or communities

Contact each company directly to ask about their specific process for changing contact info.

Apple ID

As an iPhone user myself, I always recommend prioritizing your Apple ID when updating accounts. Here‘s how to change your number for Apple:

1. Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in
2. Under Security, click Edit beside mobile number
3. Enter your new phone number
4. Verify using the code texted to you

This updates your number across iCloud, FaceTime, iMessage, and more. It ensures no Apple-related accounts still have your old number.

Contacts & Address Book

Don‘t forget to notify your personal contacts about your new number too! Here are some tips:

• Email close contacts explaining you have a new number.

• Post on social media that you have a new phone number.

• Set up an automatic text reply on your old number with your new digits.

• Update your contact info in your phone‘s address book.

• Create a new phone contact for yourself with your current info.

• Remove your old phone number from any printed materials like business cards.

Letting people close to you know about your number change right away helps ensure you don‘t miss important texts or calls.

Making the Switch Easier

Changing your phone number across all accounts and services takes time and effort. Here are my top tips for making the transition go smoothly:

• Update accounts in order of importance – Focus on essential accounts like banking and email first.

• Temporarily forward calls/texts – For critical communications during the transition.

• Verify changes – Double check that each account shows your new number.

• Keep a list – Note each account you’ve updated for your records.

• Consider SMS forwarding – Some carriers allow forwarding texts to your new number.

• Know the timing – It can take up to 24 hours for changes to fully take effect.

• Watch for errors – Mistakes happen. Follow up if you notice any issues.

• Enable extra security – Boost logins with methods like two-factor authentication.

• Monitor closely – Be on high alert for suspicious activity indicating more fraud.

With vigilance during the transition period and proper account security going forward, getting a new phone number can significantly increase your protection following identity theft.

Recap and Next Steps

Having your phone number compromised can lead to a cascade of identity fraud if action isn’t taken quickly. As a cybersecurity expert, my top advice is to obtain a new cell phone number right away in response to any identity theft incident.

Carefully contact your mobile carrier to request a number change. Then meticulously update your phone number across all online accounts, being sure not to miss any. Verify that all changes fully take effect within 24 hours.

Changing your number cuts off easy access point for scammers. But don’t stop there! Also enable two-factor authentication anywhere possible and continue monitoring your credit reports and financial activity closely for signs of further misuse.

With your accounts now secured behind a new phone number, plus implementation of strong authentication methods, you can breathe easier knowing you‘ve regained control and limited opportunities for repeat fraud. Stay vigilant, but rest assured you’ve reclaimed your identity. Here’s to a fresh start!