Ever switched to a new number and assumed the old one would quietly fade away? Unfortunately, it doesn’t. Once you stop using a number, it doesn’t retire; it gets recycled.
Telecom companies often reissue inactive numbers to new customers, which means a stranger could soon be receiving your bank alerts, OTPs, and even access to your online accounts. When your old number becomes someone else’s headache A Reddit user recently shared how he bought a new SIM card but started getting calls and messages meant for someone named Kiran.
When he checked on Truecaller, it turned out the number was previously hers, and still linked to her Facebook, Zomato, Swiggy, Uber, and even government websites. He said: I could log into her Facebook, see her orders on food apps, and even get bank recovery calls. And he’s not alone; many users have found that old numbers can expose personal info, from OTPs to banking access. Why it happens: The reissue policy According to TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India), any mobile number that’s inactive or not recharged for 90 days can be declared inactive and then reissued to someone else. In 2023, even the Supreme Court confirmed this is legal because telecom companies have a limited pool of numbers.
But this system comes with a hidden risk, your old number might still be connected to your bank, email, or government services, giving strangers a window into your digital life. How to protect your personal information 1. Update Your Mobile Number Everywhere Before discarding your old SIM, make sure your new number is updated across all essential services: This step alone can prevent most privacy and security risks. 2. De-link Your Old Number from WhatsApp and Other Apps If you changed your SIM, go to WhatsApp → Settings → Account → Change Number. Enter your old and new numbers to migrate your data securely. This removes your old number from WhatsApp servers and notifies your contacts about the change. 3. Check and Remove Old Numbers from Two-Factor Authentication Many apps still send OTPs or login codes to your old number. Update your details under Security Settings for accounts like Google, Facebook, Amazon, and others. If possible, switch to email-based authentication, it’s safer and independent of your mobile number. 4. Contact Your Old Telecom Operator If you suspect your old number is still linked to your identity, reach out to your previous telecom provider. Here’s how you can contact them: Ask them to confirm that your old number has been reassigned and request that your personal information be delinked from it. 5. Stop Unwanted Messages and Emails If you’re still getting alerts or messages linked to your old number: 6. Remove Your Number from Google Accounts If your old number is still linked to a Google account, or worse, someone else’s, remove it immediately. Steps to Follow: This ensures that any account recovery or OTP requests no longer go to that number. Smart habits for digital safety Secure your digital footprint
Your mobile number is more than just a way to make calls; it’s the key to your online identity. Neglecting to update it can leave your personal data, bank details, and even social media accounts exposed to strangers.
Before your old number lands in someone else’s hands, take a few minutes to secure your digital footprint. It’s a small effort that can save you from a big security nightmare later.
The post Still getting messages on a number you no longer use?:Here’s how to remove or delink your old mobile number to stop receiving those emails appeared first on Tri-Cities India.
