You can reduce your risk by following these steps:
1. Strengthen your mobile account security
Set a unique account PIN with your provider.
Use strong, unique passwords for your provider’s online account.
Avoid easily guessed info (e.g., birth dates, postal codes) as security answers.
2. Minimize your digital footprint
Don’t overshare personal details on social media.
Remove your phone number from public profiles.
Regularly search your name online to see what information is visible.
3. Secure your online accounts
Use app-based authenticators (Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy) instead of SMS codes.
Turn on account activity alerts for email and banking.
Use unique passwords for every account (consider a password manager).
4. Stay alert for phishing attempts
Never click links in unsolicited texts or emails.
Remember: your wireless provider will never ask for your password or OTP by phone, email, or text.