Though the chances are extremely slim, two people can have the same number. Mobile operators have it by default (e.g., multiSIM services in North America) and sometimes by accident; worse, hackers could spoof your number.
Don’t fret; in this post, we’ll show you four actions to try if someone else uses your phone number. We’ll also discuss reliable ways to tell if someone has hacked your phone number so you can protect yourself best.
Can someone else use my phone number?
A third party can use your phone number if they have illegal access due to you falling victim to hacking or a scam. The typical victims of these scams and hacking incidents are older people, who are easier to manipulate.
You may also fall victim to these hackers and scammers if you accidentally click on a phishing link from a text message. We recommend not clicking any link you see, as it can install malware on your device and steal your information.
Sadly, that’s not the end of the story.
Phone companies in the US and Canada have implemented what is now called multiSIM services. The concept could be new to you, but it’s simple: it allows you to have as many as 4 SIM cards with the same number.
Plus, there’s the case of ineptitude. Network operators usually reallocate numbers, and it’s possible that you could be using a number that has been assigned to someone else before.
How to Tell If Someone Else Is Using Your Phone Number
If you suspect someone else is using your phone number, you have ingenious ways to confirm this. Below is a quick rundown of these methods to check if someone can access your phone number.
Excessive Monthly Bill
A drastic increase in your monthly bill due to various calls and texts is a telltale sign of a mobile number used by someone else. As such, you must always compare your current monthly bill to the previous ones and check for anomalies.
Unknown Text and Calls
Another telltale sign that someone is “spoofing” your number is when you get text messages and calls from strangers. When an unknown number tells you to restart your device, that could be a surefire clue that you’re being hacked.
No Texts and Calls
If you suddenly stopped receiving text messages and calls, it’s possible that a hacker routed them to another SIM card. It’s a common tactic of hackers who impersonate their victims to scam their friends and family.
SIM Update
Receiving an update from your network provider about an update made on your SIM card is a surefire way to tell someone else is using your phone number. You must contact your network provider immediately so they can sort out this problem.
Locked Accounts
You might find yourself locked out of your social media accounts if you’re unlucky. This situation tells you that someone had access to your phone number and changed the passwords on your accounts.
What to do if someone has the same phone number as you?
If people are texting or sending you messages telling you that your phone number had appeared in their caller ID even when you didn’t call or text them, your number is highly likely spoofed. As much as possible, do not interact with these strangers.
Here’s a list of what you can do if someone has the same phone number as you.
The sooner you finish these things, the better you can secure your private texts and calls and protect yourself from malicious entities trying to steal your information.
FIX 1. Report to your network provider
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 1 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 30 to 60 seconds |
| Things Needed | • Any smartphone |
Having two people with the same number spells trouble. It would complicate many things, given how dependent we are on smartphone use, and this is precisely why phone companies do not want such a complication.
Under normal circumstances, no two people should have the same phone number. Therefore, you should first report the anomaly to your network provider so they can help sort out the issue for you.
Once notified, your network provider should instruct you on the necessary steps and precautions you need to take to secure your phone number. If an error or technical difficulty in their system is causing the issue, they’ll let you know once it’s fixed.
FIX 2. Record a new voicemail
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 6 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 40 seconds |
| Things Needed | • Any smartphone |
Regarding a mobile number used by someone else, we recommend you record a new voicemail greeting on your phone. This action is an excellent preventive measure to help give your unsuspecting family and friends a heads-up.
This way, they can block your number and prevent themselves from falling victim to whoever has unwanted access to your mobile number. Unfortunately, this solution won’t stop hackers and spoofers from using your hacked mobile number.
Since this method is only a preventive measure, the best thing it can achieve is saving others from being scammed using your phone number. Once many people block the phone number, it should discourage scammers from using it again.
There’s a downside, though. Since scammers can access your number, they may access your voicemail and delete your recording so you’re back to square 1.
Step 1: Open the phone or call app.
Step 2: Go to the Voicemail tab.
Step 3: Click the Greeting option.
Step 4: Set the greeting to Custom.
Step 5: Click Record to make a new voicemail greeting.
Note: The voicemail greeting should warn your friends and family to be wary as your phone number has fallen victim to caller ID spoofing.
Step 6: Click Stop once the recording is complete.
FIX 3. Change your phone number
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 1 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 30 to 60 seconds |
| Things Needed | • Any smartphone |
You may consider this as biting the bullet and may find it drastic. But this could be the right thing to do to stop the bleeding.
We recommend you change your phone number if you have reason to believe that someone hacked the old one. It’s also advisable if it’s spoofed, making your family think you have the same phone number as someone else.
Whatever the case, it’s best to distance yourself from anything that can risk your privacy and security. It’s also stressful dealing with the repercussions of having your phone number used to scam your family and friends.
Still, this solution may not be as easy as you think. That’s because transitioning to another phone number means you’ll have to inform all your circle of family, friends, and associates of a new number.
So, once you’ve changed your phone number, notify all your contacts so they can block your old number. The previous solution is also helpful since recording a new voicemail greeting will help you reach more people.
FIX 4. File an FCC complaint
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 1 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 30 to 60 seconds |
| Things Needed | • Any smartphone • A working internet connection |
If all else fails, you can always raise your concern to the authorities so they can step in and take the necessary actions. It’s the best solution if you think you have the same phone number as someone else due to a caller ID spoofing scam.
We recommend filing a report or complaint to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other similar entities in such cases. With an official complaint, they will compel your network provider to address the issue.
Spoofing, by the way, is an illegal act. Under FCC rules, misleading and inaccurate caller ID with the intent to mislead and defraud, cause harm, or obtain something of value is against the law.
If more information is required, a government representative should contact you to complete the complaint you filed. This action should be your last resort if raising your concern to your network provider doesn’t solve the problem.
FAQs about Having the Same Phone Number
Can someone hack my phone by texting me?
You can be hacked through a text message in various ways, but it usually happens due to clicking the bait link. Doing so will cause your phone to install malware without your permission, which can give hackers remote access to your device.
With this, hackers can operate your phone behind your back and steal sensitive information. Malware can also be programmed to copy and send your information to the hacker using your phone’s connectivity features.
A common tactic of hackers and scammers is to pose as a legitimate financial institution and press victims with an urgent situation that will compel them to act immediately. This tactic deprives victims of time to think things through.
As a result, you could fall easily into a trap. Remember that hackers are experts in social engineering, which means they can press your buttons, so you’ll be pushed to do things that would put you at risk.
What information can somebody extract from a phone number?
Hackers can steal various information once they get access to your phone number. Using a reverse lookup service, hackers can access any information linked to a phone number, like a name, birthdate, address, and more.
With this, hackers can start posing as you to have your text messages routed to their number and steal more information from you. They can also access your online account using the “forgot password” feature and steal more sensitive information.
The commonly stolen information includes your email account, contacts, home address, account passwords, birthdate, Social Security Number, names of family and friends, etc. Hackers may also take your photos and videos to blackmail you.
Can someone hack my phone number?
Phone numbers are commonly hacked via porting, allowing hackers to receive text messages on your behalf. They do this by impersonating you and asking your network provider to “port out” your phone number and switch it to their SIM cards.
Once done, they can also send text messages and calls under your name and access your accounts. Hackers can use your identity to scam your family and friends for their money and information.
Are two phones capable of receiving the same incoming call?
It’s possible for multiple devices to receive the same incoming call, not just cell phones. Various calling and messaging apps offer device-syncing services that allow you to receive incoming calls for your phone numbers on all linked devices.
For one, T-Mobile’s Digits app allows you to connect your phone number to all your devices, so you can’t miss any messages or calls if your phone is unavailable. Since multiple devices receive your calls, you can answer them with whichever you prefer.
What happens when two people share the same number?
Calls may not be delivered to the correct recipient when two people share the same phone number. It’s a rare occurrence since most people who share the same phone number will have a different area code.
However, for some reason, some network providers will encounter system errors, causing calls for the same number to get messed up. While this can happen with landline phones, it’s unlikely to occur with GSM phones.
You might think someone has the same number due to your caller ID being a target of spoofing. Telemarketers use this scamming technique to change the caller ID on the recipient’s phone and make it look like a reputable organization.
