What Happens If Your Phone Number Is On the Dark Web

April 30, 2025 By Christine Margret No Comments 5 minutes

Data breaches are such a reality nowadays that your own information—like your phone number, email, passwords, or even sensitive data like your Social Security number—may already be out on the dark web. Once your phone number appears on the dark web, it might be used for identity theft, applying for new credit cards, or other nefarious purposes. Criminals often take advantage of this information, so action needs to be taken urgently. Below, we will discuss what to do if your phone number on the dark web is found and how you can defend yourself against further injury.

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How to Check If Your Phone Number Is on the Dark Web

If you’re wondering what to do if your phone number is on the dark web, the first step is to check if it’s there. Many people assume that checking for a dark web phone number is complicated or requires direct access to the dark web. However, it’s much simpler today with dark web monitoring tools. Some breach monitoring platforms, such as dark web scanners, can assist you in checking whether your dark web number or other information about you is up for sale or shared. All you have to do is key in your telephone number and other sensitive information like emails to search for exposure.

Also, read about Dark Web Monitoring.

What Can Happen if Your Phone Number Ends Up on the Dark Web?

Discovering your phone number on the dark web can be alarming, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Dark web phone numbers are a primary target, impacting millions of individuals each year. Once your phone number is discovered on the dark web, cybercriminals can exploit it for an assortment of malicious purposes. They may try sending scam texts, placing fake calls, pursuing blackmail, or even stealing further personal information from you. In a few instances, they may intercept two-factor authentication (2FA) codes sent to your dark web number to gain entry into your online accounts.

Can You Remove Your Phone Number From the Dark Web?

A common question is how to remove phone number from dark web once it has been exposed. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to erase phone number from the dark web. Unlike regular websites, the dark web lacks customer support or control to aid in erasing your dark web phone number. Even if you manage to make a call to the platform, it might worsen the situation, most likely drawing more notice and attention to you from hackers. Dark web phone numbers are difficult to erase, and once your phone number is on the dark web, it’s out of your hands.

Also, read about How to Safely Surf the Dark Web.

What to Do If Your Phone Number Is on the Dark Web

If your phone number on the dark web is discovered, it’s essential to act quickly. Here are some things you should do right away:

Change your passwords: Hackers tend to use leaked information to attack online accounts. Update your passwords immediately, making each one unique and strong.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): How to do if your phone number is on the dark web involves incorporating additional security layers into your accounts. 2FA is a robust security measure that will make it more difficult for cybercriminals to access.

SIM locking prevents unauthorized access to your dark web phone number. You can lock it through your telephone settings or from your mobile provider.
Put a credit freeze: Freezing your credit stops scammers from opening new accounts in your name. You temporarily lift the freeze when you are applying for credit.
Monitor your credit: Monitor your credit reports frequently for unwanted activity. You can obtain free reports annually from the major reporting bureaus.
Report the violation: Report to the FTC or other institutions as needed to report the potential fraud.
Block spam and scam calls: Speak to your carrier about available spam protection. Both Android and iOS devices have features to block unwanted calls.
Use safe browsing tools: Enable security features in browsers like Google Chrome or Firefox to protect against phishing scams targeting your dark web phone numbers.

How to Prevent Your Personal Information from Ending Up on the Dark Web

To keep your phone number found on dark web from being exposed in the first place, you should follow some simple precautions. Restrict the personal information you post online, particularly on social media. Delete information such as your phone number, address, or email from your public profiles and think about closing accounts you no longer use. Share sensitive data, like your dark web number or Social Security number, only when it’s absolutely necessary. Be careful when applying privacy settings on social media sites, and inquire whether there is another way to confirm your identity without divulging sensitive information. Finally, always be on guard against spam links in messages or emails, as these are commonly used in phishing attacks to collect more of your personal information.

Also, read about How to Know If Your Phone Is Hacked.

Conclusion

If your phone number becomes listed on the dark web, it can lead to a host of severe risks—ranging from spam and phishing to identity theft and financial fraud. Your number can be used by cybercriminals to impersonate you, execute SIM swap attacks, or play games with your digital identity. That’s why it’s so important to remain vigilant, keep an eye out for suspicious activity, and take prompt action to lock down your accounts. Proactive defense and quick response can be the difference between damage minimization and securing your online existence.