SIM Swap Scam:
A SIM swap scam is when someone pretends to be you and gets your phone number from your phone company.
Then they can use your phone number to get into your online accounts, like your bank, email, or social media. They can take your money, data, or identity.
In 2021, a woman from New York lost $22,000 after a hacker swapped her SIM card and got into her online banking account. The hacker also locked her out of her email and social media accounts, and tried to get more money from her contacts.
A SIM swap scam is when someone pretends to be you and gets your phone number from your phone company.
Then they can use your phone number to get into your online accounts, like your bank, email, or social media. They can take your money, data, or identity.
In 2021, a woman from New York lost $22,000 after a hacker swapped her SIM card and got into her online banking account. The hacker also locked her out of her email and social media accounts, and tried to get more money from her contacts.
How a SIM swap scam works:
1. The scammer finds out your personal information from public websites, social media, social engineering...
2. The scammer calls your phone company and acts like you. They ask to move your phone number to a new SIM card that they have.
3. The phone company asks some questions to check your identity. The scammer answers them using the information they learned about you.
4. The phone company moves your phone number to the scammerβs SIM card. You lose service on your phone and the scammer gets your calls, texts, and codes.
5. The scammer uses your phone number to sign into your online accounts, such as your bank, email, or social media. They can steal your money, data, or identity.
1. The scammer finds out your personal information from public websites, social media, social engineering...
2. The scammer calls your phone company and acts like you. They ask to move your phone number to a new SIM card that they have.
3. The phone company asks some questions to check your identity. The scammer answers them using the information they learned about you.
4. The phone company moves your phone number to the scammerβs SIM card. You lose service on your phone and the scammer gets your calls, texts, and codes.
5. The scammer uses your phone number to sign into your online accounts, such as your bank, email, or social media. They can steal your money, data, or identity.
How to avoid SIM swap scam:
1. Don't share your personal information, like your phone number, address, or social security number, on public websites or social media.
2. Make a PIN or password for your mobile account that only you know. Donβt use things that are easy to guess, like your birthday or address.
3. Don't send your OTP (One-Time Password) to anyone.
4. Use apps or physical keys instead of texts for your online accounts that need two steps to log in. Texts can be stolen by someone who has your phone number.
5. Check your phone and bank statements often for any strange activity.
If you are a victim of a SIM swap scam .
1. Don't share your personal information, like your phone number, address, or social security number, on public websites or social media.
2. Make a PIN or password for your mobile account that only you know. Donβt use things that are easy to guess, like your birthday or address.
3. Don't send your OTP (One-Time Password) to anyone.
4. Use apps or physical keys instead of texts for your online accounts that need two steps to log in. Texts can be stolen by someone who has your phone number.
5. Check your phone and bank statements often for any strange activity.
If you are a victim of a SIM swap scam .
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