This week on The Perfect Scam.

So the police is like, man, your phone is in your hands.

I said, officer, they stole my phone number, not my device.

That's when his jaw dropped. He's like, what you mean?

Welcome back to the Perfect Scam. I'm your host, Bob Sullivan. Like it or not, for most of us,

our cell phones are the key to our digital lives right now. We need them to log into our bank

accounts. We need them for directions. Heck, we even need them just to buy things sometimes.

We really depend on these little things. Remember how terrible it felt the last time you thought

you lost your phone, even for just a moment? That's why I think this episode is so important.

Criminals can steal your phone, we all know that. But did you know, criminals can steal your phone number,

even if you have your phone in your hands? And that, well, that can be the same thing as stealing

your whole financial life. We'll explain how today, and with some help, we'll explain what you

can do to protect yourself. But I'll say it again now because it's so, so important.

Add to the list of all the other emergency plans in your life, like what to do if there's a

fire or an accident.

You should have a plan for what to do if you suddenly don't have access to your mobile

phone for any reason.

Now, we want you to meet a woman who did in fact have her phone number stolen,

had her whole digital life stolen, and there were real life consequences.

Okay, my name is Patricia Escriva, and I am in Coconut Creek, which is in Brower County.

And what's the nearest big city to you?

Fort Lauderdale and Volga, between both.

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