SIM Swapping (also called SIM Hijacking or SIM Swap Fraud) is when a criminal convinces your mobile provider to transfer your phone number to a SIM card they control. Once they have your number, they can:
- Receive your calls and text messages.
- Intercept one-time passcodes (OTPs) for banking, email, or social media logins.
- Reset your account passwords.
- Lock you out of your own digital identity.
Because your phone number is often the “master key” to your online life, SIM Swapping is one of the most dangerous forms of telecom fraud.
Why does SIM Swapping work?
Many US banks, email providers, and social media platforms still rely on SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA). If a criminal controls your SIM card, they receive the verification code instead of you - giving them instant access to your accounts.
Important: Criminals usually use phishing, data breaches, or other methods to get your personal information, then contact your mobile provider and convince the agent that they're actually you. With this access, they can deactivate your real SIM card and use their own SIM to intercept messages and take over your other accounts
What are the warning signs of a SIM swap?
You may have been SIM swapped if:
- Your phone suddenly has no service (no calls, texts, or data) in a coverage area.
- You receive multiple unexpected SMS messages about password resets.
- You are locked out of your email or social media accounts.
- Friends or family report strange messages sent from your number.