Federal Law Enforcement Retired 374th Surfman Department of Homeland Security Founding member 1-503-298-0592 and my email and social media blacknbluepb@yahoo.com @surfman374 Instagram threads YouTube Facebook David Michael Ramsey and Facebook group Spearfishing’s Talk and WordPress rigsreefclassicspearfishing.com

If your cell phone is hacked, immediately turn on airplane mode to sever the connection to cellular networks and Wi-Fi, preventing the hacker from stealing more data. Then, secure your accounts and remove malicious software by following these critical steps. [1, 2, 3, 4]

1. Secure Your Accounts

Do not change your passwords or check your bank accounts on the hacked phone, as a keylogger might steal your new credentials. [1, 2, 3, 4]

• Use a safe, separate device (like a computer or a friend’s phone) to log in and change your passwords.
• Prioritize your email, as it is the master key to resetting all your other online accounts.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on all accounts.
• Go into your account security settings and sign out of all active, unrecognized sessions or devices. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

2. Hunt for Spyware and Rogue Apps

• Check installed apps: Go through your app list and delete anything you do not recognize or do not remember installing.
• Review permissions: Scan your settings to ensure flashlight, calculator, or basic utility apps don’t have suspicious permissions like camera, microphone, or accessibility access.
• Run a security scan: Install a reputable mobile security app (such as Malwarebytes or McAfee) and run a deep malware scan. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

3. Check for Malicious Settings

• Call forwarding: Hackers sometimes divert your calls to intercept 2FA codes. Dial *#21# to check if call forwarding is active. If you see an unfamiliar number, dial ##002## to instantly disable all forwarding. [1, 2, 3, 4]
• Remove unknown devices: Review your Apple ID or Google account settings to ensure there are no unrecognized devices tied to your ecosystem. [1]

4. Perform a Factory Reset (The Nuclear Option)

If malware persists or you were targeted by advanced spyware, a factory reset is the only way to fully wipe the device. [1, 2]

• Back up only your essential, uninfected data—like photos, documents, and contacts. Do not back up apps or system data, as this can reintroduce the malware.
• Go to your phone’s settings and perform a full “Erase All Content and Settings” or Factory Reset. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

5. Contact Your Carrier & Bank

• Notify your mobile service provider if you suspect a SIM swap attack (e.g., you suddenly lose cellular signal or cannot receive texts).
• Check your credit card and bank statements for unauthorized transactions. If you spot any, contact your bank immediately to freeze your cards. [1, 2]