What is a SIM swap scam, and how do I stop one?
In a SIM swap, a criminal convinces your carrier to move your phone number to a SIM they control. Your texts and calls then go to them, including login codes, which lets them reset your email and get into bank and crypto accounts.
Attackers usually call the carrier pretending to be you, using personal details from data breaches or social media. The first sign is often your phone suddenly showing no service while phones around you are fine.
The swap doesn't copy anything off your phone. It steals your number, and anything that trusts your number.
- Move important accounts from text codes to an authenticator app, security key or passkey
- Set a PIN or password on your carrier account, and turn on its number-transfer lock if it has one
- If your phone suddenly loses service, call your carrier from another phone, then change your email password
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SIM Swapping
From the SIMs & Identity course. How attackers steal phone numbers, and how to stop them.
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