I’ve changed 4 or 5 SIM cards in my entire life. I never knew what was happening to them. Imagine my surprise when I found out that, it turns out, the old numbers are reused by the operators. And you have to part with the SIM-card itself “in an amicable way” so that no problems arise – this is one of the rules of digital hygiene . You can’t just throw a card into a trash can or throw it into a drawer. We will tell you how to avoid problems when changing your number.
What to do with old phone numbers
Older SIM cards usually have an automatic shutdown and termination feature if you don’t use it for a certain period of time. For telecom operators, the term varies from 1 to 6 months. You can simply stop using it or stop paying for the connection – first the operator will block it and re-release it. This is due to the fact that the number of rooms is limited (and numbers too), so operators are forced to return this number for sale.
Remember to use all the money from your old SIM card.
Be sure to use up all the money from the account, otherwise the operator will begin to write off them to the end. The blocking also applies to new cards. If you purchased it, but did not activate it, do not be surprised that after a few months the number will not be able to activate – it will be blocked.
Why unlink your phone from your account
In 2021, changing your number is tantamount to changing your place of residence, if not worse. Just imagine how many different accounts are tied to your SIM card, you can’t remember all of them: social networks, online stores, banks … It is believed that more than 60% of the numbers, even after the re-release, are still tied to the accounts of different services.
Don’t forget to change phone numbers on important accounts
First of all, take care of unlinking accounts from it, in case of loss or theft of data, operators are not responsible for the disclosure of data and do not protect them. If you begin to experience problems using a card with a new number (SMS and calls are received), then you should contact the operator with this problem.
Why warn about number change
If you changed the number, but did not warn your acquaintances, then the calls will go to the new owner. Often, such numbers go to crooks who use information for personal gain: they can find out your address, personal data, the ability to use this information to hack social networks or an account in an online bank.It is quite simple and useful to warn acquaintances about the number change.Be sure to inform your comrades and loved ones about the change of number, preferably in a personal conversation. Experts recommend not using personal numbers when selling goods and on the Internet – for such operations it is better to get another SIM card. How often do you change your number? Tell us about your experience in our Telegram chat .
See also: Why you shouldn’t mindlessly update apps
How to hack a social media account from an old number
Many social networks require a phone number to be linked to an account, and instant messengers cannot be used without it. This is a great way to keep your data safe as you receive two-factor authentication codes on your phone. In social networks, it is still easy to go to someone’s page using the old number, and then send your friends the famous “request for help”.
Two-factor authentication helps out, but the verification code may come to the old number
Do not forget to unlink the old number from messengers so as not to get problems: just enter the phone number in the messenger search to find out a lot of new things. Try to turn off the display of the real number, leave a nickname.
How to steal money from an account
After changing the number, do not forget to go to the bank application. Losing social networks is not as scary as being left without honestly earned money. Theft of money is the most important goal of scammers . Access to bank applications gives you ample opportunities for life (albeit your own) – from using your card to applying for a loan.
Online banks are the main place to change your number.
Do not forget about marketplace applications – there, changing the old number to the new one is just as obligatory as in the online bank. In order not to end up with a broken trough, try not to leave tied cards in applications. Better yet, use virtual cards that will not let you be robbed to the bone. Look for more information on Internet security in our Yandex.Zen .
What to do if government services are hacked
Not everyone loves this application, but every year it gets better, simultaneously absorbing our data: from document numbers to fines. Why would anyone know about this? Got rid of your SIM card – replace the number in this essential app. It’s a great idea to have a separate room, decorated for someone close to you – it can be used for important things that need to be protected from prying eyes. This will confuse the scammers and save you the trouble.
Losing access to public services is tantamount to losing a passport
Changing the number is not a reason to dismiss your old SIM card. You need to unlink the numbers from different services and pages, remind your friends that you now have other contacts. Previously, changing the number was not as problematic as it is now – it is convenient that there is a function of switching to another operator, which helps to save time and nerves.
