us Technology & digital loss phone number port-out scam • pending number transfer not mine • unauthorized number port request • sim swap account takeover • mobile number hijacked • carrier transfer pending alert • number lock port freeze • transfer pin fraud • lost cell service suddenly • texts not coming through • one time codes intercepted • bank sms not arriving • account recovery by sms risk • stop unauthorized port out • wireless account compromised • phone number stolen • porting request I didn't make

What to do if…
your mobile number shows a pending transfer you did not request

Short answer

Act fast: contact your wireless carrier immediately (using an official number) and tell them you have an unauthorized port/number transfer pending and need it stopped and your account locked.

Do not do these things

Don’t use links or callback numbers from the alert/text; use your carrier’s official app/website or a number from your bill.
Don’t share verification codes, transfer PINs, account PINs, or security answers with anyone who contacts you first.
Don’t assume it’s “just a glitch” while a transfer is pending — speed matters.
Don’t keep relying on SMS login codes for critical accounts until the carrier confirms your number is secure.
Don’t wipe your phone or delete alerts before saving a screenshot and basic timeline.

What to do now

Call your carrier’s fraud/porting support via an official channel.
Say: “Unauthorized port-out / number transfer pending. Stop it now and lock my account.” Ask for a case/incident number.
Ask for specific carrier protections while you’re on the line.
Request (names vary by carrier):
- Cancel/stop the pending port/transfer and confirm the status.
- Add Number Lock / Port Freeze / Number Transfer Protection to prevent future ports.
- Set or reset a port-out/transfer PIN and your general account PIN.
- Remove any unfamiliar authorized users, emails, or devices on the account.
  If your carrier can’t resolve quickly by phone, go to a corporate carrier store with photo ID for urgent recovery.
If you’ve already lost service, switch communications immediately.
Use Wi-Fi calling (if still available), a trusted friend’s phone, or a landline so you can keep calling institutions while your number is being secured.
Secure your primary email account right away.
Change password, sign out of other sessions, and enable a non-SMS second factor (authenticator app, passkey, or security key). Email is often the reset path for banks and services.
Call your bank(s) and any account tied to SMS codes.
Tell them: “My phone number may be involved in a port-out/SIM swap; SMS codes may be intercepted.” Ask them to add extra verification and check for password resets, new payees, wire/ACH changes, and unusual card-not-present activity.
Create a quick incident record.
Screenshot the alert, write down dates/times, carrier interactions, and any “No Service” period. This helps with carrier escalation and any later disputes.
Report it through the main US routes if you suspect fraud/identity theft.
- File an identity theft report at IdentityTheft.gov (FTC).
- File a complaint with the FCC related to unauthorized number transfer/port-out issues.
  (A local police report can be helpful in some cases, but it’s usually secondary to stopping the port and securing accounts.)
Stabilize access to your accounts if you’re locked out.
Use backup codes, recovery email, or authenticator-based recovery where available. Prioritize: email → banking → cloud/Apple/Google account → social media.

What can wait

You don’t need to investigate who did it or how they got your information right now.
You don’t need to change every password immediately — start with email and financial accounts first.
You don’t need to decide today whether to pursue legal action; focus on restoring control and preventing further damage.
You don’t need to decide about credit monitoring today; if you suspect identity theft beyond the phone number, consider fraud alerts/freezes after your carrier and bank access are stable.

Important reassurance

This is a known pattern (port-out/SIM swap fraud), and carriers and agencies recognize it. You’re not overreacting by treating it as urgent — the goal is simply to stop the transfer and cut off access to SMS-based account resets.

Scope note

These are immediate steps to stop the transfer, reduce account takeover risk, and document what happened. If money was taken or new accounts were opened, you may need additional fraud-resolution steps with your bank and the credit bureaus.

Important note

This guide is general information, not legal, financial, or law-enforcement advice. Carrier tools and names for “number lock/port freeze” vary, so ask the representative to confirm exactly what protections they applied and what you should expect next.

Additional Resources

Support us

What to do if…your mobile number shows a pending transfer you did not request