What do I do if my phone number was ported away without my permission?
Contact your carrier immediately to reverse the port, then alert your bank and change passwords for accounts that use your number for authentication — acting within hours matters.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
An unauthorised number port (SIM swap) means a fraudster has successfully convinced your carrier to move your mobile number to a SIM or eSIM they control. From that moment, every call and text to your number — including bank OTPs and password-reset codes — goes to the attacker's device, not yours. Speed of response is critical.
Call your carrier's fraud line (not the general customer service number, as wait times are longer) and tell them you are the victim of an unauthorised port. Ask them to reverse the port and lock the account against further changes. Request that a verbal security code or PIN be mandatory for any future account changes. Some carriers can action a port reversal within minutes; others may take longer.
While the port is active, a scammer may be using your number to log in to accounts. Immediately — from a different device, ideally on a different network — change the passwords for your email account, bank, and any account that shows your phone number as a recovery method. Enable authenticator-app based 2FA where you have been using SMS 2FA.
After recovering your number, review your financial accounts for unauthorised transactions and file a report with your national telecom regulator and cybercrime unit. Document everything: the time you lost service, what you were told by the carrier, and any accounts that were accessed without your consent.
Common red flags
- Your phone suddenly has no service and shows 'No SIM' or 'No service'
- You cannot make or receive calls or texts
- Your carrier sends a confirmation of a port or SIM change you didn't request
- You receive OTP codes or password-reset messages for accounts you weren't logging in to
- You get locked out of your email or bank immediately after losing service
What to do now
- Call your carrier's fraud line immediately — ask for an emergency port reversal
- Ask the carrier to add a mandatory verbal PIN to all future account changes
- From a different device, change passwords for your email and bank accounts
- Disable SMS-based 2FA and switch to an authenticator app
- Check your bank, email, and key accounts for any activity during the window of loss
- File reports with your national telecom regulator and cybercrime authority
- Contact your bank if you spot any transactions you didn't authorise
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take a carrier to reverse a port?
It varies by carrier and country. Some complete reversals within an hour; others take up to 24 hours. Escalate to the carrier's fraud team or regulator if you experience delays.
Can I prevent a port-out from happening again?
Yes. Add a SIM-lock PIN or 'port protection' flag with your carrier, and replace SMS-based 2FA with an authenticator app so a future port would not compromise your accounts even if it succeeded.