How to protect your mobile from SIM swapping fraud?

SIM swapping fraud, also known as SIM hijacking, SIM splitting, or port-out fraud, is a growing cybercrime that can give scammers full control of your mobile number. Once they succeed, they can intercept your calls, text messages, and most importantly, get access to one-time passwords (OTPs) used for online banking, email and social media accounts.

Recent reports show SIM swap attacks have surged in recent years, costing victims millions. In 2024 alone, cases jumped by over 1,000%, according to fraud prevention data. This makes it crucial for everyone to understand how the scam works and what steps can be taken to protect themselves.

How SIM swapping fraud works?

Mobile carriers use a process called mobile number portability to transfer a customer’s number to a new SIM, such as when you upgrade your phone or replace a lost one. Criminals exploit this process by tricking the carrier into moving your number to a SIM card they control.

The typical steps they follow are stealing your personal details through phishing, data leaks, or social media snooping. Then, they impersonate you by contacting your mobile provider, claiming your phone was lost or damaged.

After convincing the provider to activate a new SIM in their possession, they take over your accounts by intercepting SMS-based verification codes and resetting passwords. Once the swap is complete, your original SIM stops working, and all messages and calls go to the attacker’s device.

Fraudsters rely on social engineering, manipulating people into bypassing security. This may involve pretending to be in urgent situations, providing stolen personal information to appear legitimate or calling multiple times until they reach a less cautious employee.

Some advanced scammers also use automated attacks through carrier websites or apps, insider help from bribed employees, and even AI-generated voice deepfakes to bypass verification.

How to protect yourself from SIM swapping fraud?

1. Secure your mobile account with your carrier.
Set up an account PIN or passcode that must be given before changes are made. Many carriers offer “number lock” or “SIM protection” features to block unauthorised swaps.

2. Enable a SIM PIN on your phone.
This requires a PIN whenever the SIM is moved to a new device. It’s a quick but effective layer of defence.

3. Avoid SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA).
Use authenticator apps like Google Authenticator or Authy, or invest in a hardware security key for maximum protection.

4. Limit personal information sharing.
Fraudsters often gather data from social media and public records to impersonate you. Keep your profiles private and be cautious with personal posts.

5. Watch for warning signs.
If you suddenly lose mobile service, receive alerts about SIM changes, or can’t log into your accounts, act fast, contact your carrier and bank immediately.

Final thoughts

SIM swap fraud is quite a dangerous crime because it targets the gateway to most of one's online accounts from your phone number. The scam blends old-fashioned trickery with modern tech, making it a threat to anyone with a mobile device. Hence, by securing your accounts, reducing reliance on SMS based verification, and staying alert for suspicious activity, you can greatly reduce the risk.

In today’s connected world, protecting your phone number is just as important as protecting your bank account or passwords.