Oh my goodness, I just read about a FRIGHTENING new scam! It’s a sneaky way criminals can take over your phone number and steal you blind.
It’s called SIM Swapping, or SIM hijacking. It’s when the crooks trick your mobile carrier into transferring your phone number to a new SIM card they control. Once they have your number, they can intercept your calls and texts, including those crucial security codes sent to your phone for authentication.
How Does it Work?
The scammers start by gathering your personal information, often buying it from other criminals online. They then impersonate you, convincing your cell phone company to switch your number to a new SIM card. With your number in their hands, they can access your online financial accounts, change passwords, and drain your funds.
Protect Yourself from SIM Swapping
Make sure your carrier requires a secret password or PIN before any changes can be made to your account. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will soon require carriers to offer this feature, but you can ask for it now. I checked with my carrier, T-Mobile, and it’s already in place.
Another protection tactic to consider is using an authenticator app for multifactor authentication because we usually get a code via text message. But is scammer have control of your phone number, they’ll bet the codes too.
Be sure to use really strong usernames and passwords, and don’t repeat them anywhere else. I personally use KeeperSecurity and LOVE IT! And no, I don’t get remuneration of any sort for recommending it.
And keep your personal information to yourself – no need to put things like your elementary school, your first car, mom’s maiden name on social media. Scammers might find these and use to impersonate you.
As always, if you get an email or text asking you for personal information, don’t click on it. Go directly to the vendor site instead to check on whether that’s a truly legit request.
Act Fast
If your phone suddenly stops connecting to your provider and you can’t make calls or receive texts, you might be a victim of a SIM swap. Use a landline or a borrowed phone to contact your carrier immediately. Also, reach out to your bank and other financial institutions to ensure your accounts are secure.
SIM swapping is real, and it’s unfortunate that we have to be so diligent to stay a step ahead of the fraudsters. I wish those brilliant crooks would use their smarts for the betterment of themselves and others instead of stealing and ruining lives.
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