What Is a SIM Swapping Scam & How to Prevent It?

SIM swapping scam is a fraud where scammers trick your phone number and transfer it to another device. They violate your privacy and access sensitive data, including your calls and messages. 

Nowadays, technology is stronger, but cybercriminals find a way to exploit weaknesses. SIM swapping attack is one of the most dangerous scams. Hackers can access your bank accounts, social media profiles and even your identity. If you fall victim to SIM swapping, what can you do? 

This article is a guide to what a SIM swapping scam is and how it works, and how you can prevent it. If you become the victim of it, what to do next? 

What Is a SIM Swapping Scam?

SIM swapping fraud is identity theft. The criminals trick your mobile phone carrier and transfer the phone number to a SIM card they control. After the SIM swapping attack, now your phone calls and text messages are redirected to the hackers. 

They bypass the two-factor authentication, change the passwords and access your online accounts. The scammers can take control of your online banking and drain the money before you even realise. 

Interestingly, your mobile carrier can also SIM swap. If your phone is lost, your mobile phone carrier activates the number on your new device using this procedure. The process is a crime if it is done without your consent. 

How Does SIM Swapping Work?

Scammers go through the following steps to launch the SIM swapping attack. 

Stealing personal details

Hackers need your personal information for SIM swapping. The information includes your address, passwords, account numbers, and Social Security number. They access the information in various ways, like internet searches, social media profiles, data leaks, or the dark web.

Contacting the carrier

Once they gather the information, they pretend to be you and reach out to your provider. They say the story that your phone is damaged and request a SIM replacement for the new device. 

Activating a new SIM card

Based on all the correct information, the carrier agrees to SIM swap and activate the hacker's SIM. 

Gaining access to accounts

The bad actors access all your online accounts, including calls and texts, and your SIM card stops working. Now you become the victim of the swapping attack. 

Real-World SIM Swapping Attacks

SIM swapping fraud is not just a theory; there are multiple real-world examples. This fraud has victimised thousands of people. One of the high-profile swapping scams happened with Jack Dorsey's Twitter account in 2019. 

The scammer transferred his phone number to the other device without authorization. They used the stolen phone number to access the Twitter account. It took 15 minutes to get back the account access. But for the average person, recovering the accounts takes days or weeks.

Why SIM Swap Fraud Is So Dangerous?

The dangers of a SIM swapping attack include.

• It bypasses the two-factor authentication and accesses the social security code. Then your account and social media details are under the control of scammers. 
• The major loss you can expect is financial loss. Hijackers empty your bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets in seconds. 
• Once they gain access to your account change the passwords and lock you out. 
• Scammers can destroy your personal relations via abusive messages.

Swapping attacks hijack your subscriber identity module (SIM) and majorly control your digital life. 

Warning Signs of a SIM Swap Scam

How do you know that you are under a SIM swap attack? The following are some alerts.

• Your mobile phone suddenly loss the network connection.
• You are not receiving calls and texts. 
• Password reset notification, you didn’t even request. 
• SIM change alert from the mobile phone carrier. 
• Suspicious activity on your social media profiles.
• Getting the notification of SIM transfer. 
• You might be notified that no SIM card is available.  

If you are noticing any of the given, you should immediately act to recovery. 

How to Protect Against SIM Swap Scams?

Taking preventive measures can help you avoid SIM swapping. Here are some things that mighty help you protect against fraud. 

PIN setup for the mobile carrier

Request your carrier to set the PIN code to authorise all account changes.

Set strong and unique passwords

To avoid scammers' access, create unique passwords to protect your accounts. Set the passwords with upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. It's better to change the passwords from time to time. 

Don’t share your number

Avoid sharing your number on unauthorised platforms. It makes the swapping attack easier. 

Use different numbers

Use a different number to avoid the SIM swap. For banking, use a separate number for the banking apps. 

Enable multi-factor authentication

Turn on the multi-factor authentication to avoid easy account access. Use Google Authenticator or Authy for security. 

Use an eSIM card

Compared to the physical SIM cards, eSIM are likely to have the SIM swapping attack. Moreover, it is embedded into the devices, thus no fear of damage. 

Don’t share your information on social media

Avoid sharing your personal information on social media. It can lead to guessing your passwords and answering the security questions.

What to Do If You’re a Victim of SIM Swapping?

If you suspect as under the SIM swapping scam, you should immediately take the safety actions. 

• Contact your carrier immediately and report the fraud. 
• Take the measures to secure the bank accounts. 
• Reset all the passwords to recover your accounts. 
• Report the local cybercrime unites. 
• Turn on the non-SMS-based factor authentication.

How can eSIMs reduce the risk of SIM swapping?

An eSIM card is the digital version of a physical SIM card that is integrated into devices. It digitally stores the user's information and is considered more secure. Using eSIM data enables you to avoid connecting with unauthorised wifi during travel. It leads to avoiding the risk of SIM swapping. 

Compared to a SIM card, an eSIM requires digital QR code activation. Once eSIM is activated, no one can use the same QR code to install it again. The carriers like Yaalo provide multiple eSIM data plans and offer the QR code and SM-DP+ address for one-time activation. 

Embedded SIM has comparatively lower chances of SIM swapping scam due to its shape and function. If you are planning an international trip, consider buying an eSIM to enjoy a safe and flexible data connection.

Conclusion

SIM swapping scam is a major cybercrime that people generally encounter. It's easy for scammers to access people's information from social media platforms. After hijacking the SIM card, it's simple to access your banking accounts and security passwords. 

In the article, I have discussed the preventive steps that can help you avoid a swapping attack. Moreover, you should follow the given tips in the article if you are under a cyber attack. You can connect your carrier or report to the cybercrime unites to deal with it.  

FAQs

Should I use eSIMs or physical SIMs to reduce the risk?

Compared to a SIM card, an eSIM is the best option to reduce the risk of SIM swapping. It offers improved security to avoid scams and physical theft. 

What are the first signs of SIM swapping?

If your device suddenly loss the network, showing the password reset notification, it might be a SIM swap. The unusual activity on social media platforms is also a sign of swapping scam. 

How do I protect against SIM swap scams?

Set the unique passwords, turn on app-based 2FA, and secure your mobile carrier account by adding an extra layer of verification.