SIM swapping fraud, where criminals gain control of innocent victims' mobile phone numbers, is a growing concern. Perpetrators gain access to mobile phone accounts and use them to commit identity theft and cause financial damage.
What is SIM swapping?
SIM swapping, also known as SIM swap fraud, is a method by which fraudsters attempt to take over another person's mobile phone contract and mobile number. With stolen or researched personal data, the perpetrators contact the mobile phone provider and pose as the victim. They apply for an electronic SIM card (eSIM), which they activate on their own device. This allows them to use the victim's mobile phone contract and mobile phone number for further crimes.
How do fraudsters get their victims’ data?
Criminals often get their victims' cell phone numbers through data leaks or phishing. With this information, they log in to the mobile provider's website and use the “Login via SMS code” option. The verification code is sent to the victim's real cell phone. The fraudsters then call you by phone, often as supposed parcel carriers, and ask for the code. As soon as you have this, activate the eSIM and take over the mobile phone number.
Crimes involving hacked mobile phone numbers
As soon as the fraudsters have access to the mobile phone number and the mobile phone contract, they have numerous options. They can make purchases using the victim's cell phone bill, bypass two-factor authentication, and take over email or bank accounts. This allows them to hijack various online services and accounts and cause significant financial damage.
Protection measures against SIM swapping
To protect themselves from SIM swapping, cell phone users should be particularly vigilant. If you unexpectedly receive an order confirmation for a second SIM card, alarm bells should ring immediately. In such cases, it is important to immediately contact the mobile operator, block the second SIM card and change all passwords. The fraud should also be reported to the police.
Marc Fleischmann, press spokesman for the Trier police headquarters, advises: “Please do not delete received messages or similar evidence, but rather make them available to the police.”
Questions and answers about SIM swapping
Question 1: What is SIM swapping?
Answer 1: SIM swapping is a scam in which fraudsters take over a victim's cell phone number and contract in order to commit crimes.
Question 2: How do scammers get my cell phone number?
Answer 2: Fraudsters use data leaks or phishing to get the cell phone number and use it to log in to cell phone providers via SMS code.
Question 3: What crimes can be committed using my mobile phone number?
Answer 3: Criminals can make purchases using mobile phone bills, bypass two-factor authentication and take over email or bank accounts.
Question 4: How can I protect myself against SIM swapping?
Answer 4: Be alert for unexpected order confirmations for second SIM cards and contact your mobile provider and the police immediately.
Question 5: What should I do if I am a victim of SIM swapping?
Answer 5: Contact your mobile operator immediately, block the second SIM card, change all passwords and report the fraud to the police.
Conclusion
SIM swapping is a serious threat that can cause significant financial and personal damage. Users should be vigilant and report suspicious activity immediately. Preventative measures such as contacting the mobile operator immediately for suspicious messages and changing passwords are essential. Subscribe to the Mimikama newsletter and find out about current online lectures and workshops at Mimikama Education to always stay up to date.
Source: SWR
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Notes:
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