Two years ago, I got a new phone number. In the eyes of my social media and ride-hailing apps, Amazon, my bank, and the state of Pennsylvania, that effectively meant I lost my identity. Only recently ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Davey Winder is a veteran cybersecurity writer, hacker and analyst. Update, Jan. 25, 2025: This story, originally published Jan.

Scammers have various methods when it comes to getting their hands on your phone number. You might think, "Well, what's the big deal? Isn't it easy to find someone's number these days, no matter what?

Changing a mobile number or email used to be a minor task. In 2026, it is closer to replacing a master key. Most financial ...