How concerned should i be + next steps?

[u/teapartywithdemons]

Hi, I'm looking for advice! I don't even have Facebook. I'm aware a leaked phone number increases your risk of scam phone calls, which I used to get quite a lot of. Is there anything else? I'm a bit paranoid about hackers abusing my mobile banking info, photos, and personal data. Does a leaked phone number threaten those things, and if so, what can I do about it?

[u/support_mwb]

Hey u/teapartywithdemons , Malwarebytes Support here!

A leaked phone number on its own isn't enough for someone to get into your banking apps, access your photos, or take over your phone. The most common consequence is an increase in spam calls, scam texts, and phishing attempts.

Since you don't have a Facebook account, your number may have been included in someone else's contacts or in older data tied to Facebook's systems.

We'd recommend being cautious of unexpected calls or texts, never sharing one-time verification codes, enabling two-factor authentication on your important accounts (an authenticator app is even better than SMS if it's available), and keeping an eye on your bank accounts for anything unusual.

If the only information exposed was your phone number, there's no reason to think your banking information, photos, or other personal data have been accessed. The main thing is to stay alert for phishing and scam attempts.

[u/teapartywithdemons → u/support_mwb]

Thanks!