You're right that bad actors can clone/spoof/use your number for nefarious activities. I had my number changed but numbers are assigned from a pool for each area code. It doesn't stop someone from spoofing it though. Good way to avoid unwanted use of your number is not to confirm it's a working number. Don't return calls from unknown number, don't respond to unsolicited text, and avoid giving your number to untrusted businesses or enter it online when site is not secure. I give out my Google Voice number to agencies I am confident they will protect my real number.
