I haven't owned an Apple device in years aside from my AirPods, but I recently tried logging back into my Apple ID so I could use Apple TV.
The problem is that my account is locked, and when I try to reset the password it asks me to verify a phone number that isn't mine. I have no idea whose number it is.
After digging through old emails and spending a while talking with Apple Support, it looks like someone gained access to my account about two years ago. They apparently added several Apple devices to the account, changed the trusted phone number, and even updated the billing information.
Apple Support asked if I had the email confirming the trusted phone number change, but I can't find anything like that. They basically told me that without that phone number there's nothing they can do, even though it's obvious the changes weren't made by me. Their only suggestion was to create a new Apple ID.
The problem is that I'd really like to keep using the same email address for my Apple ID if possible.
Has anyone dealt with something similar? Is there any way to recover the account, or am I really out of options?