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Important Steps to Take Before You Recycle a Mobile Phone Number 

Writer's picture: Nicole BakerNicole Baker

Updated: Nov 7, 2024


A hand holding a phone displaying a recycling symbol graphic.

It is important to recycle your mobile number throughout the company so that friends and family can reach out when you move. For example, if a person moves within their city or state they should get an alternate local phone number for new location just as it would be nice have same contact information available everywhere!


If you don’t properly detach your mobile phone number from all the accounts it’s used with, you can leave yourself open to identity theft, credit card fraud, and other crimes.


There are a few ways that you can make your life easier by recycling the number throughout different companies. For example, if someone moves within their city or state they should get an alternate local phone number for new location just as it would be nice to have same contact information available everywhere!


When the former owners handed in their number, it was available for someone else to sign up and use with mobile service. It turns out that this person had also been using their cloud accounts after they left which allowed those same hacked details from before (including personal information) now being used again by hackers!


We all know how important our mobile numbers are to every part of daily life, so when it comes time for you change or delete your phone number on Facebook-, Twitter- etc., please take these steps.

BONUS: If this sounds like something that would interest others in recycling their old phones by donating them through organizations such asPhone recycle centers near me then feel free share with friends!


Change Your Phone Number for Online Accounts


The number of passwords you have is staggering and it’s becoming harder to keep up with all the different sites that require a login, but there are some steps we can take. For starters-and this goes for both personal email accounts like Gmail as well as business ones such as LinkedIn – Make sure your password security doesn’t leave any room for hackers by using strong phrases Eye opener: The average user has around 100 unique logins accessible on their devices which could pose risks if not protected properly.


The first thing you should do when updating your mobile phone number is to log into any online accounts and sync them with the new digits. You may have noticed that some apps require text message confirmation instead of a password, so this will be easy as well!


We recommend that you do not share your phone number with anyone. If they want to identify themselves as being from your old service, then provide them with a different one instead!


Change Your Number for Social Media Accounts


If you have ever had your Facebook or LinkedIn account compromised, then it’s likely that a social media site was also attacked. Hackers often use these types of messages to try and gain access into sensitive data or scam friends out money!


To protect yourself from scammers, be sure to change your phone number on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. If you have linked it with WhatsApp then follow their instructions for changing this so that communications will always remain secure!


Change Your Phone Number for Service Providers That Send You Texts


In the age of technology, we rely on our phones for so much more than just making calls. Texting has replaced emails in many ways and this includes communications like shipping notifications or confirmations from utility companies – you can even get reminders about appointments!


It is important to be aware of this risk if you change your mobile number because the texts from various service providers can lead someone else on an identity theft path.


To stay on top of your information, make sure you connect with any services that contact by calling or texting. These offline tools could include :- A landline phone number; if it’s available in the area where they’re located (for example home) then use this option instead so there isn’t an interruption during normal business hours when someone at work might need assistance from another department and not be able reach anyone mobile unless he has his own personal Cell Phone handy which most people don’t seem too concerned about these days anyway.

  1. Plumbing or HVAC company

  2. Dentist or doctor’s office

  3. Pharmacy

  4. Local retailer

  5. Utility company


Double Check All Your Multi-Factor Authentication Prompts


The second danger of having a stranger receive your texts is that they could have access to codes for MFA, which means they will be able send transactions without entering any personal information.


With MFA, you’re always safe so long as the criminals don’t get your username and password. But what happens when they intercept a message containing these codes? All it takes is one change in order for them to gain entry into an account without permission – which means any passwords need changing immediately!


To make sure you update your mobile number in all of the online accounts that require it, double-check to see if there are any MFA prompts. If so then enter a password for this form and verify its success by receiving an SMS message back from us before proceeding with next steps!


Review Your Text Message History for Anything You’ve Missed


It’s easy to overlook places you visit only once a year or more. For example, the online account provider for flowers on your loved one’s birthday that you never go into at other times, You know what they say-sometimes it is better not being picky about things!


Scroll through your text message history to find any other accounts that you may have forgotten to update.


Text Friends, Family & Colleagues from the New Number


You can stop your friends and family from texting you by changing the number they have on file. This will help ensure that no one accidentally sends an SMS or group message to this old phone!


The best way to ensure that your messages are getting through is by making sure they go straight from sender inboxes into their recipient’s hands. So if you just got a new phone number, send an SMS (or text message) asking them immediately update contact with this newer line; then follow up by deleting any previously sent files using the old numbering system- since these could end up being accidentally picked up instead!


How Secure Is Your Mobile Device?


We all know the risks of being hacked. But how do you protect yourself from malware and phishing on your mobile device? Don’t leave yourself at risk, Contact us today for a free consultation and request a security check today from Ayvant IT Services!

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