Could my landline be cloned?

[nf1236]

My mobile number (not virgin) was hacked a week ago.  The hacker rang Virgin and somehow got through security and reported  fault on my landline.  Virgin told me about this call and said all they did was run a test on my number and that was it.

During the last week I've had problems with phone calls connecting, getting just a tone when I call someone, or I dial a number and get silence.  I rang Virgin a couple of days ago and they said everything is fine.

But is it? I don't get why a hacker would ring virgin - or how they even knew my phone line was with virgin!  Let alone how they passed security, now with the dodgy phone line I'm very worried.  My phone line is through wifi.

Any help or reassurances would be appreciated.

[goslow]

Sounds like an unusual sequence of events.

As a general rule, VM does not make proactive, outbound calls to customers about technical problems so how did VM contact you to advise you of this landline problem? That in itself sounds similar to a common scam call routine.

Common scams involving phones might involve the scammers trying to move your number to another provider without you agreeing to it (slamming) or trying to order items (such as expensive new mobiles) on your mobile account.

What was involved in your mobile phone being 'hacked'? A recent scam involves the scammers trying gain access to the mobile account (via a password reset SMS text) with a view to ordering expensive phones via the account.

You could set about changing passwords, your online memorable word for VM and any security questions and enabling 2FA where you can on any of your accounts to try and stop any repeated attempts to access your accounts.

One of the VM forum team should reply here within a few days and may be able to check any contact/interaction with VM on your account.

They should also be able to see if there is any kind of issue on your landline.

You can check for any area faults on the landline yourself by calling the automated service status number 0800 561 0061.

[nodrogd]

Can a landline number be cloned? Yes. Happens all the time. Scammers have software that can make call recipients think a call is local to them when it’s not by “impersonating” another local number. It’s actually nothing to do with your physical line.

They cannot physically take over your line or put calls on your bill. They can order replacement SIM cards to try taking over a mobile number, but not landlines.

[Matthew_ML]

Hey nf1236, thank you for reaching out and I am so sorry to hear this.

I have taken a look and I can see you've spoke to the team since this post did they check everything over for you ?

[nf1236]

They got me to change the router password and assured me everything was ok but my phone still not quite right in my opinion.  I'm just avoiding making calls on my landline.  I didn't get to the bottom of how the hacker got through the security to talk to VM.  Just told that I must have passed my memorable word on - I haven't told a soul, but have changed it since.  Just very paranoid about the whole thing if I'm honest