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SIM swap scam

SIM swapping is a scam when a perpetrator activates a victim’s SIM card on another device to hijack their messages, calls, and mobile data. SIM swapping is also very dangerous if you have multi-factor authentication tied to your phone number. Hackers can use this to bypass security and hack into your accounts.

SIM swapping simplified

You can call your mobile service provider any time and say you’ve lost your SIM card. Criminals can do the same thing in your name. All they have to do is know the relevant personal information about you to convince your service provider they’re you.

Once your SIM card is activated on a different device, you’ll lose your data, text messages, and phone calls. The perpetrators can then use your phone number to commit further crimes like extracting money from your relatives or friends. They can also open new cellular accounts or buy new phones in your name. SIM swapping is very dangerous if you have multi-factor authentication tied to your phone number. Hackers can use this to bypass security and hack into your accounts.

Probability

Chances of becoming a victim of sim swapping fraud are very low (1 in 251).

Tips to prevent SIM swapping

Handle data responsibly

Limit the amount of personal data you share online (like social media, etc.) and don’t give your personal data to random people that ask.

Secure your account

Set up additional security measures on your mobile account like security questions and verification messages.

Get MFA

Get off text message verification and switch to an authentication app or physical security device, e.g., U2F, Google Authenticator, and others.

Sim swapping stats

According to the FBI Internet Crime Reports, here's how devastating sim swapping was from 2022 to 2023:

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Lost to cybercriminals
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People were victims to sim swap scam
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Sim swapping fraud cases have reached record numbers with 2K yearly victims (around 6 victims per day) in 2022.

Victims have reported the highest average financial loss to sim swapping frauds in 2023 ($45.4K per victim).

Sim swapping fraud is one of the few cybercrimes that has become less costly over the years. Daily financial losses have decreased around 49% from $199K to $133.7K per day since 2022.

Learn more

Federal Trade CommissionInternet Crime Complaint Center (US)Report cybercrime (EU)