SIM swap: they take over your mobile number
Suddenly your mobile has no signal. Meanwhile, someone else is receiving your text message codes.
1How they do it
- The scammer collects information about you: name, address, date of birth.
- He calls your provider or goes to a shop and asks for a new SIM card for your number.
- Your SIM stops working. All your text messages and calls go to him.
- With the text message codes, he resets the passwords for your email, bank or social media.
2A real example
Sunday evening: "No service" on your mobile. Monday morning: your email password has been changed and your bank reports a new device.
3How to spot it
- Your mobile suddenly loses all signal, for no reason.
- You get emails about password changes you did not make.
- Your provider tells you about a new SIM card.
4How to protect yourself
- Ask your provider for an extra PIN for changes to your contract.
- For important accounts, don't use text message codes: use an app or your phone as a key.
- Call your provider at once if your mobile has no signal for no reason.
How WolfKey helps
WolfKey does not use text messages. The key is in your phone itself, not in your SIM card. So a new SIM card does not help a scammer.
Get WolfKeySuspicious number, email or website? Check it or report it.
Examples have been made unrecognisable. Names and numbers in the examples are made up.