SIM card spoofing: scammers can steal your number and money without even touching your phone - ForumDaily
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SIM card spoofing: scammers can steal your number and money without even touching your phone

Law enforcement officials warn that if you have a prepaid or postpaid mobile phone, you could be the victim of a so-called SIM-swapping scam. You can lose not only your phone number, but also money, reports ConsumerAffairs.

Photo: IStock

What makes this scam especially scary is the fact that the scammer can steal your phone without even touching it.

The CTIA, a wireless communications trade group, says the perpetrator only needs to collect some personal information about the victim, such as the name, physical address, email address, and mobile phone number. Unfortunately, most of this information is available online.

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“Once the scammer gets this information, they can call your wireless carrier and impersonate you to transfer your phone number to a new SIM card and device,” the group warns.

A SIM card is a small memory card that fits into a mobile phone. It contains all the information about the mobile account, including the phone number. Once the thief successfully transfers the phone number to the new device, the victim's phone is disabled and the scammer has access to a lot of sensitive information.

History of the victim

A report by WHBQ-TV in Memphis tells the story of a local woman who said she contacted Cricket Wireless after receiving a text about her account changes. After that, her phone turned off.

During the investigation, she discovered that another name had been added to her mobile phone account. After that, she learned that someone had withdrawn $3500 from her bank account. A few days later, she discovered that someone had opened new credit cards in her name.

“I understand if I lost my phone, but they just took the number straight from the phone, like through the air,” the victim, identified only as Jenna, told the TV channel.

How to protect yourself

According to the CTIA, mobile phone users can protect themselves in several ways. To get started, consumers must set up an account PIN, which is required to access the account. Like passwords, PINS should not be based on other identifiers such as birthdays and anniversaries.

Downloading a mobile carrier's mobile app can help consumers stay up to date with security updates and alerts. If you stop receiving calls or text messages and don't know why, contact your wireless carrier immediately. Even if you don't often use your mobile device, you should regularly check for alerts from your provider and account.

Limit sharing of your phone number in situations where it could be widely published or circulated.

Follow your provider's security recommendations and use tools like multi-factor authentication.

Finally, continue to identify information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, outside of social media. Beware of phishing attempts.

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If you receive a call, email, or text message asking for your social security number or part of your social security number, your bank account number, your driver's license number, or other identification or financial information, do not provide it, even if the call, email, or the text comes from a trusted person. Instead, contact the trustee separately and directly.

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