Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

ailsagirl

(23,734 posts)
Wed Jun 12, 2024, 05:04 PM Jun 2024

How did a scammer get my iphone number??

I received a text message today (supposedly from USPS) saying a book I ordered is being held due to a faulty
address and would I please go to (link) to remedy the problem.

It was a scram, for sure-- but I couldn't help wondering how those people got my iphone number
and
Is my iphone in danger of being hacked?

If so, is there a program that could go through and delete any nefarious items?

Thank you

12 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
How did a scammer get my iphone number?? (Original Post) ailsagirl Jun 2024 OP
there are apps that just dial numbers at random or in sequence and they get hits, like they did with you CurtEastPoint Jun 2024 #1
Thank you ailsagirl Jun 2024 #4
Scammers/spammers randomly input various number combinations. LeftInTX Jun 2024 #2
Thank you ailsagirl Jun 2024 #3
Same way they got my bank info and my MOMFUDSKI Jun 2024 #5
That's frightening ailsagirl Jun 2024 #7
Never lost a penny. But a lot of phone calls MOMFUDSKI Jun 2024 #9
Glad to hear you didn't lose anything!! ailsagirl Jun 2024 #11
The dark web steals phone lists and sells them. kimbutgar Jun 2024 #6
I suppose I'm pretty naive ailsagirl Jun 2024 #8
Message auto-removed Name removed Jun 2024 #12
Several major sites have been hacked usonian Jun 2024 #10

CurtEastPoint

(19,120 posts)
1. there are apps that just dial numbers at random or in sequence and they get hits, like they did with you
Wed Jun 12, 2024, 05:08 PM
Jun 2024

but talk to Apple and see what they say

LeftInTX

(29,714 posts)
2. Scammers/spammers randomly input various number combinations.
Wed Jun 12, 2024, 05:08 PM
Jun 2024

You likely were not specifically targeted. As long as you didn't go to the link and provide them info, there is no harm. Just block the number if you can.

 

MOMFUDSKI

(7,080 posts)
5. Same way they got my bank info and my
Wed Jun 12, 2024, 05:36 PM
Jun 2024

credit card number and my husband’s SS number and my driver’s license number.

 

MOMFUDSKI

(7,080 posts)
9. Never lost a penny. But a lot of phone calls
Wed Jun 12, 2024, 08:27 PM
Jun 2024

and closing accounts. I have a permanent notification on my drivers license that tells the cop that there are two licenses like mine! Was told to carry several forms of identification so as not to end up in the backseat of a cop car. Fun

kimbutgar

(23,085 posts)
6. The dark web steals phone lists and sells them.
Wed Jun 12, 2024, 06:32 PM
Jun 2024

I have received notices from AT&T that my number was stolen from hackers.

ailsagirl

(23,734 posts)
8. I suppose I'm pretty naive
Wed Jun 12, 2024, 06:59 PM
Jun 2024

I'm sure there are lists of people's private info all over (Dark Web?) for a price.

Response to kimbutgar (Reply #6)

usonian

(13,470 posts)
10. Several major sites have been hacked
Wed Jun 12, 2024, 08:39 PM
Jun 2024

Too many to list.

One may have had your phone number in its stolen data. I recall various breaches at ATT and Verizon.

Many companies use your email address or phone number as logins. As a techie, I can’t begin to tell you how dumb as a brick this is.

And as others have noted, some spray-dial or email.

Worse, some companies you deal with sell your data to data aggregators.

Just don’t open anything you don’t recognize, and/or mark it as spam or junk and delete.

Latest Discussions»Help & Search»Computer Help and Support»How did a scammer get my ...