Smartphone scams, such as SIM swapping, are on the rise, with over 5,000 reported cases to the FBI since 2022. These scams involve criminals gaining access to a victim’s cell phone number and using it to siphon money from their credit cards and bank accounts.
How SIM Swapping Works
A SIM card, or its digital version known as an eSIM, helps connect a phone number to a carrier network. In a SIM swapping scam, a criminal collects basic information about their victim, such as their name, birthdate, and address, to try to move the victim’s phone number to a SIM card or eSIM profile the criminal controls.
Once complete, the scammer gains access to accounts the victim may be logged into on their phone, such as bank accounts or credit card apps, without touching the phone or being near the victim.
How to Protect Yourself
Preparation is the best protection against SIM swapping. Cell phone users should use strong, unique passwords for each online account and use two-factor authentication where it’s offered. Consumers should also protect personal information they share online and be wary of anyone pushing them to share personal info.
Check your mobile carrier to see if it offers SIM protection. For example, Verizon customers can toggle on a protection feature on the carrier’s website or app to lock lines on their account to help prevent SIM changes.
If you suspect you’ve been targeted in a SIM swapping scam, contact your banks immediately and have them freeze your accounts. Next, work with your cell phone provider to help regain access to your mobile device.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
