8 Risks of Giving Out Your Cell Phone Number To Strangers

It’s become a routine to pull out our phones and hand out our numbers without giving a second thought. If we’re signing up for an exciting new service, or going to a bar with a friend or restaurant, cellphone numbers are usually readily available.

But what are the dangers of Giving your cell phone number to strangers? Here are eight things to take into consideration before handing over your phone number.

8 Risks of Giving Out Your Cell Phone Number To Strangers

You May Be Opening Yourself to Spam Texts and Calls

Giving your cell phone number to strangers could result in you receiving calls and spam text messages from unknown numbers. This is particularly true when you give your number to a corporation or other organization that has the ability to use reverse lookup software to locate the details of the phone numbers you have.

They could sell your personal information to marketing companies from third parties and send you unwanted messages and sales calls. This can cause significant annoyance, and possibly fraud if not cautious.

Also read: 10 Best Call Blocking Apps for Android Smartphones

You May Become a Victim of Scammers and Fraudsters

Fraudsters and scammers typically take advantage of phone calls and are in a position to obtain your mobile phone number from sources that are public. Once they’ve got your number, they could attempt to extort you of cash or even personal information.

They might pretend to be representatives of government agencies or a business you have business relationships with and attempt to convince you to give confidential details. Be careful who you divulge your phone number to.

You Could Be Stalked Or Harassed

The mere act of giving your cell phone number to someone else can also result in harassment or stalking. If someone is obsessed with you, they could make use of your number to reach you continuously or show up at your place of work or home. Although it’s a rare scenario, it’s possible that you need to be aware of and ready for it.

Your Personal Information and Identity Could be Stolen

The theft of your identity is a grave crime that can have a detrimental impact on your lifestyle. If you’re not cautious regarding who you disclose your mobile phone number you may be at risk of identity theft. If someone gets your number, they might be able to access your personal details via social engineering or other methods.

They can then make use of the information they collect to be a fraudster or even steal your identity. Be vigilant regarding who you disclose your personal data with.

It’s always recommended to use another number for online registrations and signups, instead of making use of your primary number.

You Could Lose Access To Your Social Media Accounts

The mere act of giving your cell phone number to strangers could result in being denied access to the social accounts you have. If someone manages to access your account on social media it could be possible to change the number, and then lock you out of your personal account.

This could cause lots of problems when you’re unable to gain access to your accounts. It is always recommended to utilize a strong password and use two-factor authentication whenever you can.

You Could Be Placed on A List Of Robocalls

If you divulge your mobile number to someone you don’t know it could result in you being placed on a robocalling list. These are automated call systems that allow criminals and telemarketers many hundreds, or thousands at a time.

You could begin receiving unsolicited sales calls, or even fake calls regularly. It can be extremely annoying and disruptive, therefore you should avoid giving your personal information to people you do not already know.

Your Privacy May Be At Risk

If you’re not mindful of whom you disclose your mobile phone number your privacy could be at risk. Unknown individuals could find your personal details like your address, relatives, or work location.

They could also gain access to your financial details or your social media accounts. It is important to be aware of the potential risks of sharing your personal details with strangers.

Also read: WhatsApp Scams: How to Spot It and Prevent It

You Might Be Tracked

If you’re not cautious about whom you provide your mobile phone number you may be tracked. If someone gets your number, they might be able to track your location or even monitor conversations.

This could be a grave violation of your privacy that could result in dangerous situations. It’s crucial that you are aware of the dangers of giving out your cell phone number. It is only give it to individuals who you can trust.

Last Line

Giving your cell phone number to a stranger else could pose a number of risks and negatives that come with it. It’s crucial to know about the risks and to only provide your phone number to people with whom you are confident. If you suspect that your personal information may have been compromised, it’s crucial to take action right away.

There are plenty of factors to think about regarding the security of cell phone numbers. Be vigilant and safe!