You don’t even know your phone has been hijacked – and possibly your bank and credit accounts drained – until your phone loses service. You’ve been the victim of SIM swapping, also called SIM hijacking. Here’s background on the smartphone scam and how to protect yourself or your loved ones.
More than 5,000 people have reported SIM swapping scams to the FBI since 2022. Older adults, caregivers, and families can benefit from understanding the warning signs of SIM swapping and taking simple security steps to prevent it from happening.
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, in order to move the victim’s phone number to a SIM card or eSIM profile that the criminal controls.
Once complete, the scammer gains access to accounts you may be logged into on your phone, such as bank accounts or credit card apps, without ever touching your phone or being near you.
How to protect yourself from SIM hijacking
Preparation is the best protection against SIM swapping. Cell phone users should use strong, unique passwords for each online account – password managers are a helpful tool in creating complex and randomized passwords. Use two-factor authentication where it’s offered; this adds an extra layer of security when accessing sensitive accounts.
Next, consumers should protect personal information they share online, whether on social media or in texts or emails asking for identifying data, such as PIN numbers, birthdates, or one-time security codes. Be wary of anyone pushing you to share personal information, particularly if they’re pushy with their request or make it sound urgent.
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.
Combating this smartphone scan
If you get an unprompted notification that your SIM has been changed or otherwise suspect you’ve been targeted in a SIM swapping scam, contact your banks immediately and have them freeze your accounts, including ones the criminals may not have targeted yet.
Next, work with your cell phone provider to help regain access to your mobile device. If you’re able, share as much information as possible with law enforcement so they can investigate, or at least document trends, in how often this scam occurs.
Today’s seniors are increasingly engaged online, through computers, smartphones, and tablets. Along with the usage comes increased risk and need to protect from fraudsters across digital platforms.
