Question:

I have been receiving harassing texts from a VOIP number for a week. The sender claims to have hacked my phone and obtained my nude photos. They also use abusive language and make sexual comments. I suspect it might be an ex-partner who has a history of using VOIP numbers to harass me, or a scammer trying to extort me. How can I identify the sender of these texts? How serious is the threat of them having access to my phone and personal data? What steps should I take to protect myself and stop the harassment?

Answer:

How to Deal with Harassing Texts from a VOIP Number

If you have been receiving harassing texts from a VOIP number, you might be wondering who is behind them and what they want from you. VOIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, which means that the sender is using an internet-based service to make phone calls or send texts, instead of a traditional phone line. This makes it harder to trace the origin of the messages, as the sender can easily change or spoof their number.

However, there are some ways to identify the sender of these texts, or at least narrow down the possibilities. Here are some steps you can take to deal with this situation:

• Check the content of the messages. The messages might contain clues about the sender’s identity, such as their name, location, or personal details. They might also reveal their motive, such as blackmail, revenge, or prank. If the messages claim to have hacked your phone and obtained your nude photos, they might be trying to extort you for money or personal information. However, this is usually a bluff, as hacking a phone is not easy and requires physical access or malware installation. If you have never sent or stored any nude photos on your phone, you can be sure that the sender is lying.
• Block the number. The simplest way to stop receiving the messages is to block the number from your phone. This will prevent the sender from contacting you through that number, but they might still be able to use a different one. You can also report the number to your phone carrier or the VOIP service provider, if you can find out which one they are using. Some VOIP services, such as Google Voice or Skype, have a feature that allows you to report abusive or spam calls or texts.
• Use a reverse phone lookup service. There are some online tools that can help you find out more information about a phone number, such as its owner, location, or carrier. However, these tools are not always reliable or accurate, especially for VOIP numbers, as they might not have access to the latest data or might show outdated or false information. Some of these tools are also paid or require registration, so be careful before giving out your personal or financial details. You can try some of the free or popular ones, such as [Whitepages](https://www.whitepages.com/reverse-phone), [Spokeo](https://www.spokeo.com/reverse-phone-lookup), or [Truecaller](https://www.truecaller.com/).
• Contact the authorities. If the messages are threatening, abusive, or illegal, you should contact the police or a lawyer and file a complaint. Harassing texts are a form of cyberbullying, which is a criminal offense in many countries. The authorities might be able to trace the number and find the sender, or at least issue a warning or a restraining order. You should also keep a record of the messages, such as screenshots or printouts, as evidence for your case.
• Protect your phone and personal data. To prevent the sender from accessing your phone or personal data, you should take some security measures, such as changing your passwords, updating your software, scanning your device for malware, and enabling encryption. You should also avoid clicking on any links or attachments that the sender might send you, as they might contain viruses or phishing scams. You should also be careful about what you share online or with others, and avoid sending or storing any sensitive or compromising photos or information on your phone or cloud services.

Harassing

texts from a VOIP number can be annoying, scary, or harmful, depending on the content and frequency of the messages. However, you do not have to suffer in silence or feel powerless. By following these steps, you can try to identify the sender, stop the messages, and protect yourself and your data. Remember that you are not alone, and that you can seek help from your friends, family, or professionals if you need support or advice.