SIM Swapping Explained: How Hackers Hijack Your Phone Number

SIM swapping is a rapidly growing form of cybercrime in which fraudsters gain control of a victim's phone number by transferring it to a SIM card they possess.

They take over the victim’s phone number and will have access to personal accounts, including social media, bank accounts, and any services linked to this phone number.

At Belfabriek, where privacy and secure communication are key, we follow trends like SIM swapping to help customers stay informed and protected. In this article you’ll learn how to prevent a SIM swap scam.

How does SIM swapping work?

In SIM swapping, your SIM card is literally “swapped” to a new card in the fraudster’s possession. Here’s how SIM swap fraud typically happens:

1. Collecting personal data

Scammers gather as much personal information such as your date of birth, address, or answers to security questions through phishing, data breaches, or social media. This practice is often the first step toward identity theft.

2. Contacting your provider

With this information, they contact your cell phone carrier pretending to be you. They request to transfer your number to a new SIM, claiming, for instance, that your phone was lost. If the provider doesn’t properly verify the request, it may be approved.

Tip from Belfabriek: Always ask your telecom provider to add extra security measures like PIN codes or secret passwords to protect your number.

3. Activating the new SIM

Once the provider agrees, your phone number is transferred to the scammer’s new SIM card. They can now receive your calls and SMS messages.

4. Misusing access

They gain access to your text messages, scammers can intercept two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, giving them entry into email, banking, and other sensitive accounts. This can result in severe financial and emotional damage.

Signs of a SIM swap attack

If you’re a victim of a SIM swap attack, you may notice unusual activity on your online accounts, such as unauthorized transactions or changes to your account settings.

You may also receive notifications from your mobile carrier or financial institutions about suspicious activity on your accounts. Other signs of a SIM swap attack include being unable to make or receive phone calls or text messages, orreceiving notifications that your SIM card or phone number has been activated on a new device.

If you suspect that you’re a victim of a SIM swap attack, it’s essential to act quickly to regain control of your accounts and prevent further damage.

What are the risks of SIM swapping and identity theft?

The consequences of SIM swapping can be serious. You may become a victim of:

• Identity theft: Scammers impersonate you to make payments or open accounts.

• Account access: They bypass 2FA to gain control of your online accounts.

• Financial loss: Money can be stolen from your bank or purchases made in your name.

• Service disruption: You lose access to SMS and calls while the attacker uses your number.

• Financial fraud: Scammers can use your phone number to gain access to your financial accounts and commit fraud.

How can you protect yourself?

You can reduce your risk by taking the following precautions:

Use app-based 2FA

Choose an authenticator app over SMS for two-step verification when possible, as it is one of the more secure authentication methods.

Secure your credentials

Use strong, unique passwords and security questions to secure your login credentials. Avoid using publicly available info like your birthday.

Notify your provider

Ask your mobile phone carrier to add a PIN or password to your account for SIM changes. Some providers offer specific SIM swap protections.

Monitor your accounts

Regularly check your bank accounts and other important services for unusual account activity. Set alerts for changes or suspicious transactions.

Limit personal data sharing

Avoid oversharing sensitive data on social media that could be used by scammers.

What to do if you're a victim of SIM swapping

If you suspect you’ve been targeted:

• Contact your mobile provider
  Report the incident and ask them to block your SIM immediately.

• Change your passwords
  Update credentials for your email, bank, and social media accounts right away.

• Report the fraud
  In the U.S., report to the FTC.

• Assess the damage
  Check which accounts were compromised and attempt to regain access. Contact your bank if any financial damage occurred.

At Belfabriek, we believe awareness is the first step to prevention. Whether you’re managing one number or many, knowing how threats like SIM swapping work helps you stay in control of your digital identity.

Conclusion

SIM swapping is a serious threat that can lead to the loss of personal data, money, and account access. You can protect yourself by using secure authentication methods, such as authenticator apps, securing your phone account with a PIN, and being cautious with your personal info. Stay alert to ensure you never lose control over your phone number and the services tied to it.

Want to learn more about online safety and protecting your digital identity? Visit our blog for tips and resources.