Protect yourself from SIM swap scams

A Hertfordshire resident lost more than £40k after scammers managed to get the victim’s phone provider to transfer the service to a SIM in their possession.

This enables the scammers to take control of your mobile phone number, meaning they can potentially hijack your calls and texts and access your online banking details, bypassing 2-step-verification codes/one-time passwords.

Fraudsters gather personal details about you, either by phishing emails, reading your social media posts or from previous data breaches. Once they have enough information, they can convince companies that they are you. The fraudster can then instruct your phone provider to route your phone number to the fraudster’s SIM card.

The fraudster will then have access to any incoming phone calls and text messages, including one-time passwords to gain access to your financial and social media accounts.

See these useful tips from Which? On foiling SIM swap scams.  

If you have been a victim of fraud, report to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040.  For all emergency calls, please dial 999.